Saline County Relay For Life gearing up for a bigger and better run in 2008
By LaJUAN MOONEY Features editor

RELAY FOR LIFE 2008 SUBMITTED PHOTO The Saline County Relay for Life committee is preparing for the event scheduled to take place on May 16 and 17 at the Benton High School Practice Field. Pictured from left are: Rebecca Jones, Lisa Thornton, Dianne Jester, Kayce Wright, Deanna Porter, Kristi Byrd, Tammy Batchelor, Katie Hill, Cindy Bullock, Janice Ray.

There are very few people, if any, in Saline County who haven't been touched by cancer in some way.

It may be that you have lost a loved one to this disease, it could be that you yourself have fought this battle or it may simply be that you know someone else that has gone through the experience and oftentimes devastation that is known as cancer.

It's the time of year that committees and coordinators begin their recruiting for the annual Relay For Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Dedicated volunteers are committed to fighting cancer in their communities year-round, but once a year, they gather at Relay For Life to celebrate survivors and caregivers, remember loved ones lost and to gain inspiration for the fight.

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and various programs for the American Cancer Society.

During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. In recent years, bicyclists and skaters have also taken their turn on the track.

By participating in this event you can honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight it - all right here in Saline County.

The Relay is much more than just a walk around a track. It is a time that all can celebrate those who are battling this disease and reflect and remember those who have lost the battle.

The Saline County Relay got its start five years ago. The Relay raised $55,470 last year. The goal this year has been set at $60,000. With your help, this can be achieved.

American Cancer Society's objective with events like this is to continue to progress toward a future where cancer doesn't take the lives of our friends and family.

Every dollar raised in Saline County makes a difference to people in our community whose lives are touched by cancer.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors take the first lap. This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution.

A festive atmosphere always develops as participants make new friends and spend time with old ones. Highlighting the evening is a luminaria Ceremony of Hope held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

The Society has contributed to almost every major discovery in cancer research. Millions of lives have been saved as a result, including people you may know. For those people and countless others, the research the Society has funded is resulting in better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.

When cancer affects you or someone you love, the American Cancer Society can lessen your fears and provide inspiration through its many programs and services - all free of charge and made possible through donations from local communities.

A cancer survivor's recovery involves so much more than medical treatments - it takes hope to heal. By participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, those touched by cancer can feel empowered to fight back against this disease.

Relay History

One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Wash., as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office.

He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed- running marathons.

In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles.

Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer.

That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.

While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer.

Months later, he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.

Since that first Relay For Life event, millions have joined the cause all over the world, making Relay the largest fundraising event in mankind's history.

Are you ready to get involved? It's easy! You can put together a team or join an existing team. Relay For Life is about being a community that takes up the fight.

The Saline County Relay For Life will be held on May 16-17 at the Benton High School practice field. The theme for this year is "The Greatest Walk on Earth," sort of a circus theme.

If you would like to participate there are several ways for you to be a part of this event.

"We really need teams, sponsors and community volunteers to help on the committee," says volunteer Rebecca Jones. "I would bet every person in Saline County has been affected by cancer whether it is directly or through a family member or friend. By joining together and raising funds, we are advancing research and the hopes of one day finding a cure."

The committee is also in search of cancer survivors in the county. Each year prior to the Relay a banquet is held in honor of the survivors.

"If you are a cancer survivor or know someone who is, we would love for you to participate in this year's Relay For Life-You are the reason we relay," said Dawson. For more information, please call the Survivor chairwoman, Janice Ray, at 501-772-0752.

Sign up today to become a part of the Relay phenomenon.