BELPRE — The grand marshal of the Relay for Life of Washington County continues to honor her late daughter and spread the word about early detection.

Erma Rutter, a Marietta resident and special education teacher at Lubeck Elementary School, is one of multiple members of her family diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of many types of cancer.

“My dad had it but we didn’t realize there was any genetic mutation that was causing this,” Rutter said. “It makes the cancers more aggressive, so early detection is very important.”

In 2009, her daughter, Rachel George-Greenwalt, was diagnosed at age 31 with cancer of the appendix.

Five months later, Rachel’s older sister, Micki George, was diagnosed with cancer as well.

In between, the family learned about Lynch syndrome and discovered Rutter, three of her children, her sister, her nephew and a cousin all had the condition.

“We all get screened very often,” she said. “(Rachel) gave her life for us to know this, so we better make use of the knowledge we have, make sure we stay as healthy as we can.”

Rutter said she’s been diagnosed with skin cancer 13 times over the last 20 years, including four times in the last six months.

“Even when they tell you you’re in remission, you can’t hardly sleep at night because you’re worried about the next test,” she said.

Despite continuing to receive bad news on her own tests, Rachel, a Navy veteran and local radio personality, remained positive, her mother said.

She passed away in 2011.

“She was very brave through all of it. People were quite amazed at the attitude she had,” Rutter said.

After her diagnosis, Rachel started a Relay for Life team, Sorelle di Lotta, which means “fighting sisters.”

“Of course we all joined,” Micki George said. “When she passed away, we knew we wanted to keep her memory alive.”

They’ve raised money over the years via bake sales, key chains, painted wine glasses, quilt raffles and simply asking for donations.

“The whole family pretty much comes together at Relay, even though we have trouble getting together through the year,” Rutter said.

George described the Relay event as filled with a mixture of emotions.

“It’s busy. It’s fun, a chance to just be with family and friends you’ve made from Relay. A little bit somber when it comes time for the ceremony and then the luminaries,” she said.

Rutter described George as “the backbone of the team.

“She is the team captain,” Rutter said. “She kind of keeps it going even when I get a little discouraged. She’s got a great attitude and she does it all for her sister.”

Rutter said she feels as if she’s sharing the honor of grand marshal with Rachel.

Her memory is the driving force that keeps her participating in the event year after year.

“I keep hearing Rachel whispering in my ear, or yelling in my ear. She was a very strong personality,” Rutter said. “It would feel like we were letting her down if we didn’t do it.”

In addition to raising money to support research and assist cancer patients, Rutter said the family team hopes to educate people about early detection and genetic testing and counseling.