Warriors in cancer fight

In the past 10 years, the Petaluma Relay for Life fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society has gone from toting up comparative chump change to raising real money.

Much of the credit for upping the ante must go to two friends, Marilyn Herzog and Gail Nielsen, who have worked for the community's benefit for three decades, including their own special tag-team commitment to Relay for Life for the past decade.

The event, held in communities nationwide, involves teams of volunteers who secure pledges of money for miles covered in an overnight relay. The relays are usually held at school tracks, parks or fairgrounds, and many participants camp out, socializing into the wee hours.

"When Relay first started in Petaluma, we had 14 or 15 teams and made $33,000," Nielsen recalled."Last year, we had 70 or more teams and made $310,000. This year's goal is $350,000."

The dynamic duo had worked on philanthropic projects together for many years. Herzog put on near-legendary fashion shows for the PTA and hospitals for years before concentrating on the American Cancer Society beginning in 1978.

Herzog is the glad-hander and rounder-upper, and Nielsen's expertise is in assuring fiduciary responsibilities are met.

A decade ago, neither women had been touched by cancer. As the years rolled by, their family and friends inevitably faced struggles.

"When I started, I was grateful that cancer had not touched my family. Then I lost my father and a number of other relatives to cancer," said Marilyn Herzog, owner of Travels with Marilyn in Petaluma. "I work hard because I don't want another family to have to go through what the Herzog family has gone through."

She feels strongly that donations from Petaluma Relay for Life fund cancer research that will eventually lead to a cure.

"This community, over time, has raised about $3.5 million. I'm very proud to put Petaluma on the fund-raising map and to contribute to finding a cure for cancer in my lifetime," Herzog said.

Both Herzog and Nielsen are certain a scientific breakthrough is just around the bend.

"I think of money from Petaluma sponsoring Nobel Prize winners' research," Nielsen said.

Through her participation in American Cancer Society fund-raising, Nielsen has developed a passion for hands-on helping. She has been a regular volunteer driver, helping cancer patients get to medical appointments for the past 20 years. She said there is a big need for additional drivers and encourages others to sign up.

"Maybe I'm a little selfish, but after I drive someone, I get this wonderful feeling. It is really simple, but so rewarding," she said.

Appointments can take a matter of minutes or run longer. It doesn't matter to Nielsen, who takes a book or her knitting.

"If it's a long session, I run errands. I just plan around it," said Nielsen, who launched the American Cancer Society "Look Good, Feel Better" program in Petaluma in 1994. That program helps women going through chemotherapy address issues such as hair loss.

"It's a two- to three-hour seminar on how to look your best. They give out wigs and style them and give tips on makeup," Nielsen said.

And while she plans to continue with Relay for Life, Herzog is making the transition from leader to member of her granddaughter's 2009 team.

"I'll retire from the fund-raising, but continue participating. I've been really blessed to build the initial board of directors and to have recruited so many friends into the cause," said Herzog, who is looking forward to more time just being "Grammy."

She said she'll miss being on the front lines and the thoughtful notes of appreciation that came with nearly every check.

"If you do it right, projects like this have wings. You can build it to a certain level, then you have to set it free. I will enjoy watching Relay for Life in Petaluma thrive," Herzog said.

This year's relay will be Saturday and Sept. 14 at Casa Grande High School.

To learn more, visit www.events.cancer.org/rflpetalumaca or call the American Cancer Society office in Santa Rosa at 545-6728.

You can reach Staff Writer Rayne Wolfe at 521-5240 or rayne.wolfe@pressdemocrat.com.