The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Relay For Life events head to starting line
By Terry Jacoby, Heritage Newspapers
PUBLISHED: February 21, 2008
Are you ready to Relay?
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Dexter residents will kick off the 2008 annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Dexter at 6:30 p.m. on March 13 at the Dexter United Methodist Church.
"So far we have 24 teams that are ready to walk with us," said Juli Huddleston, one of the organizers of the Dexter event. "Most of last year's teams will be there plus many new ones. Our goal this year is to double the number of teams we had last year (18) and we're well on our way. Last year we raised over $65,000.
"The goal that was set by the ACS for us is $80,000, but my personal goal is $100,000. Why not aim as high as we can? A first year Relay usually raises about $26,000 and we totally blew that goal right out of the water. I'm sure we can do it again."
The Relay For Life of Dexter is June 21 at Cornerstone Elementary School. Although the Relay For Life of Dexter is more than four months away, this is the time to get involved. Residents are invited to attend the kick-off celebration to learn more about Relay For Life and how they can become part of an exciting 24 hours that can lead to a cure for cancer.
Relay For Life is the Society's signature event, dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds to fight cancer. Teams of family, friends and co-workers camp out for 24 hours, taking turns walking the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times, a reminder that cancer never sleeps.
The event includes entertainment and family activities, an inspiring Victory Lap by survivors, a poignant Luminaria Ceremony at dusk that remembers those that have faced cancer, and a Fight Back Ceremony that symbolizes the emotional commitment we each make to the fight against cancer.
"Relay For Life brings together cancer survivors, caregivers, families and friends to celebrate
life while honoring those who have lost their cancer battle," said Jessica Harrison, American Cancer Society community representative. "It is truly inspiring to witness the teamwork and effort that local residents put into making Relay a success each year.
"The action we take represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives."
The Fight Back Ceremony is new to this year's event.
"It will be Saturday afternoon and is a chance for everyone to make their commitment to make changes in their own lives to help stop cancer," Huddleston said. "It's a fabulous, exciting ceremony that no one will want to miss."
And those who want to miss cancer won't want miss Relay For Life.
This year donations can be made to this local Relay For Life event and participants can start or join a team by visiting events.cancer.org/rfldextermi. Relay Online is used as a fundraising tool as well as a means of raising awareness regarding types of cancer and information about programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society.
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.
For more information on the kickoff, contact Huddleston at Jdexjazz@aol.com.
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