Cancer was no stranger to Jaci Kopet. The Cleveland resident had unfortunately become used to the role of a caregiver, as she lost two of her husband’s brothers, Ross and Rich Kopet to the disease. She admits that being on the caregiver side, she never thought cancer would happen to her.
But that all changed in 2018 when Kopet discovered a rash, which was revealed to be stage three inflammatory breast cancer — a rare and especially aggressive form of breast cancer which accounts for 1-5% of all breast cancers.
Kopet hasn’t publicly shared her story in the six years since she’s been diagnosed, but at the upcoming Le Sueur County Relay for Life on July 12, she hopes to raise awareness of inflammatory breast cancer by speaking on her own personal cancer journey as the event’s honorary survivor.
Shortly after her diagnosis in 2018, Kopet underwent five months of treatment which consisted of surgery and 26 rounds of radiation. At the time, Kopet felt afraid and anxious of the unknown possibilities that awaited her, but she put her trust in her faith, family and her community to help carry her through this unprecedented obstacle.
“You just don't know how you’re going to react until you actually hear those words that you have cancer,” said Kopet. “But I was determined that I was not going to let that define who I was and get the best treatment I could get and start moving forward and getting the help and treatment that I needed.”
After the five months, treatment appeared to be effective, but inflammatory breast cancer has a reputation for roaring back. It did just that in 2021 when doctors found the cancer had returned. This time around, Kopet was inundated with chemotherapy treatments for a full year. To prevent the disease from making a comeback, she continues immunotherapy treatments to this day.
Kopet was comforted throughout her journey by her two adult children and her husband of 32 years close by her side in Cleveland, and received an outpour of support from friends, neighbors and acquaintances. She was astounded by the generosity as even people she didn’t know well offered her cards, meals and prayers.
“Being in a small community is very important and the amount of support there is that rallies around you during difficult times really shows through,” said Kopet. “We have a great community and an absolutely amazing family.”
She also found comfort in her work at Nicollet County, where she serves as the Property and Public Services Director. Before cancer, Kopet said she would often look forward to the next day off, but when confronting the disease, she was eager to get back to her desk. Her work helped keep her mind off the disease and she continued to do her job full-time even through her hardest treatments.
That’s not the only way cancer has changed her outlook. After confronting cancer head on, Kopet has learned to not take a single day for granted.
“I thank God for every morning and every day that’s given to you. Things that were a big deal before cancer are not a big deal now. It puts things into perspective and it definitely changes your perspective on what’s important and what’s not important in your life,” said Kopet.
The Le Sueur County Relay for Life starts at 5 p.m. on July 12 and raises funds for the American Cancer Society, which stands as the largest financier of cancer research grants in the United States outside of the federal government. This Relay for Life consists of thousands of relays being held around the country and is the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser.
According to the American Cancer Society, just over 2 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, despite a decrease in cancer diagnoses.
“What is important to know is that these Relays are making a difference,” said Le Sueur County Relay for Life Committee member Julie Harmon. “Last year, there were 16.9 million cancer survivors throughout the United States. Healthline.gov is now reporting that by the end of 2024 there will be about 19 million cancer survivors.”
Harmon attributed the rising number of survivors to the decline of smoking and advances in early detection made possible by the research done by the American Cancer Society.
The evening kicks off with a meal at 5 p.m. with a price that can’t be beat — a goodwill offering. The Relay also features a lineup of live entertainment, starting with a performance by the St. Anne’s dancers from Le Sueur, followed by Just for Kix Le Center. Jeff Christ, who is providing the sound system, will arrange for musical entertainment throughout the evening with Tanner Tellijohn and other musical guests.
The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with the Le Sueur County Color guard presenting the flag and the Murray Brothers singing the US national anthem, before Kopet tells the story of her battle with cancer.
A very meaningful survivors lap has been planned by the committee this year. In addition to each survivor receiving a carnation, a brief Bells and Bubbles ceremony has been added.
There will be Root beer floats, bounce houses, a ring toss/pop, a wine pull and many raffle items and silent auction items to bid on.
The teams raise money for the Relay by accepting monetary donations and offering luminary bags to honor or remember your loved one for the cost of $10 each. The committee members are selling 50/50 raffle tickets for $5 each.
For information, guests can visit relayforlife.org/lesueurcountymn or call 1-800-227-2345.
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