Fourth annual Washington-Wilkes Relay for Life in planning stages now, volunteers still needed
By CATHY LANNAE

Relay for Life (RFL) volunteers, cancer survivors (a term for anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), team captains, and community leaders are in planning mode to make the Fourth Annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life for Washington-Wilkes a reality. The kick off meeting held in January brought many volunteers to the forefront.

The RFL, scheduled for May 4-5 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Wash- ington-Wilkes Parks and Recreation track is an overnight event designed to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer, to recognize those in Washington-Wilkes battling cancer, and to memorialize those who have courageously lost that battle. "The impact of this tragic disease is certainly felt daily throughout our community," commented one cancer survivor.

The Relay for Life is a unique fundraising event that brings members of the community together including patients, medical support staff, businesses, schools, civic organizations, churches, youth groups, and volunteers to join together in the fight against cancer. The Relay is a team event in which participants walk around a track relay-style throughout the night.

The reason for the overnight format is that cancer never sleeps. Teams are encouraged to camp out overnight at the track. Summer Garrison, American Cancer Society partner for Relay for Life adds, "Several of the most significant moments in the Relay include the survivors' lap, (which kicks off the Relay), the luminaria service honoring those with cancer (that takes place at 9:30 pm) and the walk around the track at daybreak. Oftentimes, the luminarias are still glowing as the sun comes up over the Relay site."

In coming weeks, volunteers will be contacting individuals and businesses requesting corporate sponsorship. Seventeen corporate sponsors are currently signed up.

The Wilkes County 2006 survivors list numbers in the nineties. Special events are being planned for cancer survivors. Those diagnosed with cancer are requested to contact Tena Blakey at 706-285-2853 to assure inclusion on the survivors list.

Eighteen Relay teams have been formed to date. These teams will be conducting fund-raisers during March and April.

"I hope the community will support these special events. Lots of hard work goes into the planning and execution; they are vital to a successful Relay," commented Amy Treadwell, event chair.

For more information on any aspect of the Relay for Life for Washington Wilkes, contact members of the planning committee. Volunteers include Amy Treadwell, event chair; Sherrye Denard, co-chair; Chris Townsend, Cathy and Lamont Lannae, JoAnn Hayes, Carol Jackson, Mary Campilli, Zella Bennett, Tena Blakey, Donna Hardy, Jennifer Jackson, Rachel Moreland, Ashley Barnett, Jeff Treadwell, Mary Elizabeth and Bill Burdette, and Terry Roberts.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. It focuses on research, education, advocacy and service to cancer patients and families. For information about cancer, call 24 hours a day, seven days a week 800-ACS-2345 or logon at www.cancer.org.

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