Pastor aims to flush cancer

By Scott Mims (Contact) | Clanton Advertiser

Published Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Photo by Scott Mims

Have a seat: The Rev. Jim Shannon takes a look at what will be his seat for the next 24 hours.

The Rev. Jim Shannon is planning on spending 24 hours on the john — but not for the reason you might think.

Shannon, the pastor of Lime Springs United Methodist Church, is sitting on a toilet in front of the church for approximately 24 hours beginning Tuesday night in order to help “flush” cancer.

For every $100 the church can raise toward Relay for Life, Shannon will sit for one hour on the toilet. Donations can work the other way, however — someone can donate $100 to subtract an hour from the pastor’s sitting time.

“Some people are paying to keep me off the toilet, so it’s balancing out,” said Shannon, who expects Lime Springs to raise $4,000 for cancer research.

Over the years, Shannon has resorted to some unconventional fundraising techniques,

including living on a scissor lift for four days, staying in a bathtub for two days, pushing a lawnmower for six and a half miles, rocking in a rocking chair for 48 hours straight, and being locked in a “jail” for four days.

This year, the challenge is quite simple but Shannon does expect it will be hard on his back.

“I have a really good chiropractor,” he said.

Ironically, the only reason Shannon will be leaving his “throne” will be to take bathroom breaks.

Shannon said the church will accept donations through Sunday.

“Anyone who still wants to make a contribution for Relay, we would love to have it,” he said.

Lime Springs also holds a food auction each Sunday for Relay, and the kids collect change during morning services. They are also selling opportunities for an afghan and a barbecue smoker. For more information, call the church at 755-6356.

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