Relay for Life gearing up for walk

Walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the fifth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Elmore County/Mountain Home at the end of this month.

Teams from Elmore County and Mountain Home AFB will gather at the Mountain Home Junior High School track on June 27 at 7 p.m. for an overnight relay against cancer.

Relay For Life, the Society's signature event, is described by organizers as "a life-changing experience that helps us celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and to fight back against a disease that takes too much. This unforgettable event raises awareness and funds to save lives, help those touched by cancer, and empower people to fight back against this disease."

This family-oriented team event features participants as they walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track. Teams can include coworkers, club members, family and friends who have gathered donations prior to the event.

To participate on a team can register at www.events.cancer.org\rflelmoreid or contact Calvin Miller, 587-9094.

To participate as a survivor, contact Ruby Closson at 599-2830, or e-mail her at ruby.closson@yahoo.com, or contact Cece Bracy at 587-9510, or send an e-mail to cheecher@mindspring.com

Donations to the event can be made at any Pioneer Federal Credit Union branch. The goal this year is to raise $50,000.

"Relay For Life is a unique opportunity for our community to come together in the fight against cancer," said Michelle Morano.

"Many of the participants are cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), which serves as a reminder that our community is not immune to this disease and we can actually help our friends, families and neighbors that have been touched by cancer," Carla Hawk added.

The public is also invited to attend the Luminaria Ceremony, which will take place at approximately 11 p.m. on June 27. To honor the community's cancer survivors and to remember those lost to the disease, survivors will circle the track rimmed with glowing luminarias while the names of survivors and those lost to the disease are read aloud. Luminarias are available for a donation of $5 and may be ordered online or at the event.

Funds raised from Relay For Life support the American Cancer Society research program, which spends approximately $100 million each year on cancer research.

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 the society's website at www.cancer.org.