Cancer Society's Relay For Life Slated Oct. 7-8

SMITH COUNTY , TX (Saturday, September 17, 2005) - The American Cancer Society Smith County Unit's seventh annual Relay for Life is slated Oct. 7-8, event spokeswoman Paula Fambrough said.


Walkers and runners will gather at the Robert E. Lee High School practice field from 7 p.m. Oct. 7 to 7 a.m. Oct. 8 to participate in the event, sponsored by Blood and Cancer Center of East Texas.

"Relay for Life is a celebration as well as a unique, challenging and fun way to raise money for the American Cancer Society and to raise cancer awareness in the community," Ms. Fambrough said.

During the 12-hour event, 12- to 15-person teams will camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around the track.

Teams collect pledges or donations in advance and compete for prizes in categories such as best theme, best campsite and campsite food, and most money raised.

The 2005 event has drawn 50 teams to help reach a goal of $165,000; at last year's Relay, 61 teams raised $150,000.

"Organizers are very excited about this year's participation growth and community support and are very confident that the event will reach the goal," Ms. Fambrough said.

The Relay for Life opens with a reception for cancer survivors with a light meal provided by Chick-fil-A and Jersey Mike's Subs.

Opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. will include a "celebration lap" by survivors and their caregivers.

At a service after dark, around 9 p.m., luminarias will line the track as loved ones walk around the track to honor survivors or remember those who have lost their battle against cancer.

For the rest of the night, team members will spend the time entertaining each other, eating, playing games and walking or running for the cause.

Entertainers slated to perform include Otis and the Metro Band, the Josh Owen Band, Soul Purpose and Neal Katz.

Games and activities will include a pajama parade, crazy hat walk and a Ms. Relay contest, as well as activities for participants' children.

"Relay for Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser," said Linda Richey, regional director for the Smith County Unit. "Many of the participants will be people who have been cured of cancer. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in cancer cure rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment."

"The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research, advocacy and services to patients," said Ms. Richey. "Due to the generosity of corporate and individual sponsors, the money raised goes directly to the American Cancer Society's lifesaving programs."

All money raised by teams goes toward the society's local research, education, advocacy and patient services.

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