Relay for Life in Whitehall on Friday

At the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Trempealeau County on Friday, attendees will hear from an honorary speaker whose advice to those dealing with the disease is to keep a positive mindset. 

The Relay will be held in the Whitehall School District building, 19121 Hobson St., beginning at 5 p.m. The opening ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. That’s when Craig Thompson of Pigeon Falls will speak about how he is dealing with cancer. 

Thompson was born and raised in the area before moving away about 30 years ago. He returned in 2024, a little more than a year after being diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. 

In an interview with the Times, Thompson said he originally sought medical treatment because of severe arm pain, which ultimately led to his cancer diagnosis in November 2022.

“I had extreme arm pain because it had metastasized in my spine, so it was pushing on my spinal cord and really messing with my arm,” Thompson said. 

Thompson currently takes medication to treat his cancer. He had two rounds of radiation and underwent immunotherapy for two years. He also had his left kidney removed and underwent two spinal surgeries. He moved back to the area in January 2024 because he said he got to a point where he couldn’t take care of himself, so he needed to be near family members to help.

Despite the challenges he has dealt with, Thompson said it is important to keep a positive attitude.

“Even though my diagnosis is terminal, I don’t let that bother me,” Thompson said. “Live every day to the fullest.”

Friday’s event runs until 9 p.m. It will include music by Paul Bonstrom from 7 to 8 p.m., a silent auction, bucket fundraiser, 50/50 raffle, and games for kids. Food will also be available.