Coal Township relayer, 75, honored for walking 100-plus laps
A framed photo of Catherine Reed at the Shamokin Area Relay for Life and a necklace of beads made for her by her granddaughter, one for each of the 101 laps Reed made at the relay.
Mark Gilger Jr./Staff Photos Catherine Reed, shown at home, is wearing the necklace made of 101 beads, one for each lap she completed at the Shamokin Area Relay for Life. She is also holding a photo of her taken at the relay, and behind her is a blanket with her grandchildren pictured on it.
COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Relay for Life was again a success in 2010, raising $50,000.
The relay was also successful because of the priceless memories of encouragement it produced for those who have been affected by cancer.
Those who attended the relay at Shamokin Area School District might point to one person, however, who was most inspiring: Catherine Reed.
Reed, who just turned 75, of 1251 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, had never participated in the Relay for Life before this year. Her husband died from cancer in 1992, and one of her sons, having been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, is a survivor.
Her daughter-in-law, Judy Reed, has been part of the Shamokin Relay for Life for many years, and said she was planning to walk 100 laps - 25 miles, for the 2010 event.
"I said that I would do it, too," Reed said.
She gets a regular amount of exercise with walking, yard work and staying active with her grandchildren, but she had never done anything like this.
"I thought it was a good thing for me to do," said Reed. "I was proud to participate and do anything to help out."
Others join last lap
Reed met her goal, finishing 101 laps around the football field track. The other walkers were impressed and told her that she was the first person at her age to ever walk that far.
"I wasn't sure if I should take that as a compliment or not," joked Reed.
Relay organizers recently presented Reed with a framed photo recognizing her inspiring participation in the event.
Not only did she walk 25-plus miles, but it was hot and humid over the 24-hour period that Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19.
Reed's feet were so swollen and blistered, she had to switch to sandals for the final laps.
"That was no problem," she said. "I got over that."
Reed's granddaughter, Danielle Reed, 11, was a member of the White Diamonds soccer team that had a stand at the relay. Catherine was given a lanyard with beads to count each lap. After 100 beads, it was time for one last lap.
"That last lap was very emotional," said Reed.
In fact, as she went around the track for the final time, she was followed by family, friends and others at the relay. Among them was Joey Faust, son of Helen Faust, a neighbor of Reed's who had passed away several years ago from cancer. He held an umbrella to block the sun as Catherine walked the final lap.
"I knew a lot of people who were affected by cancer," said Reed. "I told Joey, 'I'm walking for you, too.'"
110 next year?
Reed herself was inspired by the atmosphere at the relay.
"It's just very touching when they call those names out for those who have passed," said Reed. "There are just so many, and all those lanterns light up the whole stadium."
Although this was Reed's first Relay for Life, it won't be her last. She said she is already looking forward to walking a hundred more laps at next year's event.
"I just hope my daughter-in-law doesn't say 110 laps this time," said Reed with a smile.
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