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2007 'Relay' Event Planned

From staff reports

For the third year in a row, organizers are asking local residents to dust off their walking shoes and prepare to raise some money for the American Cancer Society during the annual Scott County Relay For Life.

Set for Friday, June 15 at Gate City High School’s Legion Field, money raised during the 12-hour walkathon benefits the American Cancer Society’s fight to discover new treatment options for cancer victims.

In only its second year, local residents raised $50,000 at the 2006 Relay For Life. Organizers have set the bar a little higher this year and hope to raise $100,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Dedicated volunteers are committed to fighting cancer in their communities year-round, but once a year, they gather at Relay For Life to celebrate survivors and caregivers, remember loved ones lost and to gain inspiration for the fight.

Teams composed of eight to 15 participants will camp out at Gate City High School and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Although Relay is an overnight event sometimes up to 24 hours in length, the Scott County event is a 12-hour effort. Beginning with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. on June 15, the walk concludes at 6 a.m. on June 16. Individuals are not required to walk the entire 12 hours but teams are asked to have a team representative walking throughout the event.

Cancer survivors will be recognized at 4 p.m. and officially kick-off the event by walking the inaugural lap at 6 p.m.

“Scott County has begun our on-going fight against cancer for the American Cancer Society by planning Scott County’s 2007 Relay For Life,” explained Emogene Quillen, a member of the organizing committee. “This is a national event held yearly to raise funds to provide research, educational services, counseling and resources for our loved ones coping with cancer.”

She added that teams participate in the event by sponsoring various money-making activities and events prior to the Relay. They then take turns during the Relay itself by walking or jogging around the track so that each team is represented throughout the 12-hour event.

“Teams also set up campsites and other makeshift accommodations at the Relay site, forming a community celebration of life,” Quillen added. “Entertainment is also provided by local groups.”

A few teams have already committed to the event with many of those already participating in fund-raising activities. But it’s not too late to join their efforts.

“Join us in the fight against cancer by forming a team,” she said. “Teams are made up of family, friends, co-workers, church groups and others who come together and help us win the battle over cancer.”

Musical entertainment featuring bluegrass, gospel and Southern rock will be performed during the event. Any musical groups that would like to perform are asked to contact Ivy Lane at 940-2313.

The purpose of Relay For Life, which is the American Cancer Society’s national signature activity, is seek funds to help fight cancer and to bring a greater awareness of the disease.

For more information about the June 15 Scott County Relay For Life or to register a team, call Brenda Estep, event chairperson, 386-3146, Lou Ann Johnson, 386-7836 or the American Cancer Society at 1-877-429-2955.

Teams can sign up online at <www.relayforlife.org>. For cancer information call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit online at <www.cancer.org>, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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