Cancer Doesn't Sleep and We Won't Either
Contacts:
Jody Howell
Metro Market Relationship Manager
American Cancer Society, Great West Division
602-381-3095
Cancer Doesn't Sleep and We Won't Either
(Phoenix, AZ Feb. 12, 2006) - The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Central Phoenix is just around the corner. Register your team today by calling the American Cancer Society at 602.381.3095. This celebration of life brings the Phoenix community together in a unified effort to fight cancer.
Former and current cancer patients, their families, businesses, civic organizations, and the public are invited to take part in this exciting team event. Relay For Life takes place from 5 PM to dawn on April 21 at Madison Heights School, 7150 N. 22nd St., Phoenix.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's version of an athletic relay, but with a new twist. Relay For Life is a family-oriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team and also raise funds to support the activities of the American Cancer Society. Participants camp out at the Relay site, and when they are not taking their turn walking, they take part in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment.
Teams from companies, churches, organizations, hospitals, and schools collect donations and can win individual and team prizes for their efforts.
-Relay For Life brings the progress against cancer to the forefront, said Ted Cook, event chair. "Many participants are our family, friends, and neighbors who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been not only reducing death rates, but also in the quality of life following cancer treatment."
"The funds raised enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services," said Cook. "Thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society's lifesaving programs."
"Almost everyone has been touched in some way by cancer," said Ted Cook, event chairman. "The Relay for Life is a way to get the community together to fight this disease."
ABOUT RELAY FOR LIFE
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight celebration of life and cancer survivorship.
- Relay For Life is a unique team event designed to raise awareness about cancer and raise funds to support the research, education, advocacy, and patient services vital to the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer.
- Relay For Life is community-driven. It is a great way for the community to work together in the fight against cancer.
- Teams of people, including local businesses, friends, families, hospitals, religious organizations, and clubs gather at community sites and take turns walking laps.
- One of the really wonderful pieces of the Relay For Life program is the Survivors Lap, which kicks off the event. Each cancer survivor is introduced and all survivors complete the first lap around the track before being joined by the other participants. It's a really nice way for us to keep in mind why we participate in Relay For Life.
- After nightfall, one of the main highlights of Relay For Life is the Luminaria Ceremony. Hundreds/thousands of luminaria candles dedicated to loved ones line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.
Every dollar we raise goes toward fighting cancer. Contributions to the Relay For Life help the American Cancer Society fight cancer in four main ways: research, education, advocacy and patient services.
- The American Cancer Society funds more than $100 million of cancer research a year.
Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 602.381.3095. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org.