• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    Madison, News, RSS Twitter
     By  GreggParker Published 
    4:42 pm Wednesday, April 6, 2016

    Kalnajs’ story proves Relay for Life’s value

    Lila Kalnajs' family includes son-in-law Ryan Galloway, from left, Lila, son Kon Kalnajs, Kon's fiancee Jenny Woyak, daughter Maija Kalnajs Galloway and, in front, granddaughter Zane Galloway. Both rescued, their pets are Wendy, a white greyhound, and Marty, a tan Viszla. Not shown is Lila's husband, Andrejs Kalnajs. CONTRIBUTED

    Lila Kalnajs’ family includes son-in-law Ryan Galloway, from left, Lila, son Kon Kalnajs, Kon’s fiancee Jenny Woyak, daughter Maija Kalnajs Galloway and, in front, granddaughter Zane Galloway. Both rescued, their pets are Wendy, a white greyhound, and Marty, a tan Viszla. Not shown is Lila’s husband, Andrejs Kalnajs. CONTRIBUTED

    MADISON – Cancer affects everyone, whether as an actual patient, a husband, child, friend or caregiver. Relay for Life of Madison will heighten awareness to progress and needed research for the disease.

    “The annual Relay for Life is a family event with entertainment, food and poignant ceremonies with luminaries at dusk, survivor laps and families walking the track and honoring those they know who have battled cancer,” logistics co-lead Steve Gordon said. Kelly Nielsen is serving as 2016 event lead.

    On May 14, Relay for Life of Madison will open with the Survivors’ Reception at 4 p.m. in Madison City Schools Stadium. Event hours are 5 to 11 p.m.

    One relay volunteer, Lila Kalnajs has shared her personal perspective as a cancer survivor.

    Kalnjas challenges everyone to “think about what happens when your life at times seems to no longer be your own. In October, 2013, I had a routine chest X-ray as part of my annual physical for work.”

    Still on crutches from foot surgery, Kalnajs “hobbled in when the clinic requested I come back in. Someone handed me a report in the lobby — no private talk, nothing. I sat alone in the lobby and read the results marked with a note (from) a physician: ‘She needs to see her attending as soon as possible.’ There was a large mass in my upper left lung.”

    Kalnajs was “paralyzed. This has to be a mistake. I was fit, exercised regularly, worked 14-hour days, no weight loss, no excessive coughing. I love my husband and family with all my heart but I sure wasn’t going to worry them. I had a CT scan the next day and it was confirmed.”

    “The mass was real,” Kalnajs said.

    The next day, she managed to tell her husband Andrejs. “From that moment, Andrejs was my stronghold, lover, friend, caretaker, partner in every way. There are no words to express how much he meant to me during the next eight  months,” Lila said.

    The next three weeks were a “medical roller-coaster ride. My motto would become, ‘I have cancer; it does not have me,'” Lila said.

    “Relentless fatigue was a hallmark. I just made myself keep (exercising) … a walking routine daily. I refused to let cancer take over all my life,” she said. “After the ‘All Clear,’ loudly declaring cancer survivor, I began to work out diligently and added crossfit to my exercise classes.”

    Lila learned “pain is temporary but giving up is forever.”

    Her latest scan revealed a small, new nodule (6 mm) in lower lung — too small to determine if cancerous. Lila will have another scan in late May.

    “Life, by its name, is positive,” Lila said. “If we can all live more in the moment, we will see the beauty and splendor for what it is.”

    For more information, visit Facebook/Relay for Life of Madison.

    Also on The Madison Record
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Bob Labbe 
    July 2, 2025
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Summer camp
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Downtown event to premiere in July for young entrepreneurs
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    HUNTSVILLE - Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input. Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    gregg@themadisonrecord.com 
    June 25, 2025
    By GREGG PARKER MADISON COUNTY -- Heart of the Valley YMCA has appointed a new president to lead the organization. Rob Gray has accepted the position ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Bob Labbe 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    July 2, 2025
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    June 25, 2025
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    June 25, 2025
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    June 25, 2025
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    June 25, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    MADISON – With their continuous honors, Madison City Schools students have proven their mastery of the ‘three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic.’ H...
    June 18, 2025
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP invites all ages, backgrounds and aptitudes to join hometown volunteer forces during the Big Weekend of Se...
    June 18, 2025
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    HUNTSVILLE - For the sixth consecutive year, Matt Curtis Real Estate has been ranked as the no. 1 real estate team in Alabama. In addition, this team ...
    June 18, 2025
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    MADISON – For his talent in composition, Karsten Wallace of Madison is a winner in the 2024-2025 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School...
    June 18, 2025
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    MADISON – His solid, technical background earned Ryan Ranjan a top place in the 2025 National Science Bee, organized by International Academic Competi...
    June 18, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Exclusive: Movie planned on life of baseball’s Jose Canseco
    Editor’s note: Former Major League Baseball superstar Jose Canseco spoke exclusively with Bob Labbe of the Madison Record about the former All-Star’s ...
    July 2, 2025
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record