Relay for Life this weekend

The 2008 Pender County Relay for Life will be taking place Friday, May 2, at 6 p.m. The 18-hour, overnight cancer-fighting event will begin at the Topsail High School Track with a Survivor's Lap.

The opening lap is an emotional time when survivors of cancer gather to walk the track alone. It is also a time to remember victims who did not live long enough to see a cure for the disease. After that, relay teams will take turns walking the track for the duration of the event all while raising money to fight cancer and ultimately find a cure.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life is the largest non-profit fund raising event in the nation. Nearly 23 years ago in Tacoma Washington, Dr. Gordon Klatt was looking for a way to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office. Klatt, also a marathon runner, decided to spend 24 straight hours running and walking to symbolize the daily battle endured by people with cancer.

Klatt circled the track, more than 83 miles, joined by friends and family who paid to run alongside him for the cause. He raised $27,000 for the fight against cancer and set a nationwide example that encouraged others to do the same for their respective communities.

Submitted by Pender County Relay for Life Publicity Chair Stephanie Ottaway:

This celebration of life brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back. Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at Topsail High School Track Field for an overnight relay against cancer from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 2 until 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. The Kids Walk will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3.

Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life - including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers - to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer of any type) walk or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events. As you make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other:  eating, playing games, and, of course, walking for a great cause.

Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held at 9 p.m. on Friday night, May 2 to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. Luminarias can be purchased in advance for $10 in honor or memory of a loved one, co-worker or friend. Contact any participating team to purchase a luminaria or go online to www.pendercountyrfl.com and print the order form, complete and mail it in as soon as possible.

"Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser," said Publicity Chair Stephanie Ottaway. "Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death 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 and services to patients," said Stephanie. "Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society's lifesaving programs."

Information about how to become involved in Relay For Life is available on the Pender County Relay for Life website at www.pendercountyrfl.com. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.