Franklin County Relay for Life’s Honorary Co-Chairs share their journeys

The American Cancer Society states that over one million people are diagnosed with cancer per year. For some people, including Hampton residents Karen Ringleb and Norm Helm, that statistic shifts from just numbers into reality when they receive their own life-altering diagnosis.

Walking with faith: Norm Holm’s story

Norm Holm began his journey just over two years ago, in the early summer of 2016. He visited the doctor to address heart issues, but a large mass at the junction of his esophagus and stomach hinted of a more serious problem. In the days that followed, he was diagnosed with stage three adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, an aggressive cancer that attacks lymph nodes.

Strength in family: Karen Ringleb’s story

Karen Ringleb is an established Hampton citizen; she has been employed as the office manager at Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative for nearly three decades, and raised three children in the community (Whitney, Brady and Courtney) with her husband, Harold.

Family has always remained paramount to Ringleb. She grew up in the Dumont area, where her father, Floyd Bierman, still resides. She also has five siblings and 30 nieces/nephews and great-nieces/nephews.

Franklin County’s Relay for Life Karen and Norm will unite with other community members on Friday, Jul 27 to commemorate the annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser.

The day’s events will raise money and awareness dedicated to curing the world of cancer’s pain and suffering, and fund research to protect future generations.

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