Relay for Life kickoff slated

Jan. 21, 2007

SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - In an effort to educate the public and eliminate cancer as a major health threat, area volunteers are presently gearing up for the 2007 American Cancer Society Mat-Su Borough Relay for Life.

A kickoff rally will be held on Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center lobby, 2500 S. Woodworth Loop.

&#8220It also will be an opportunity for participants to register their teams,” said Shawn Osborne, ACS Relay for Life Mat-Su publicity chair. Teams can save $25 if they register at the rally or if they sign up to serve as volunteers. The public is also encouraged to attend to hear about new ideas and innovations planned for the upcoming year.

There will be a survivor ceremony and a mini-luminaria display for those loved ones lost to cancer. Refreshments and prizes will also be offered, and the rally will feature John Tracy of Channel 2 News as the master of ceremonies.

The 2006 relay is scheduled to be held at the Colony High School track on May 11, 2007. This is the 11th year for the event, and it traditionally draws hundreds of participants, who walk the track all night to raise money.

&#8220But more importantly, it's a chance to honor and celebrate our cancer survivors and their caregivers,” said Penny Gillen, the Mat-Su Relay chair. &#8220And to remember those we have lost to cancer.”

&#8220The money raised allows the American Cancer Society to continue funding cancer research, its state and national legislative advocacy, and its many educational and community service programs,” Osborne said.

Since 1946, because of money invested research and education, 63 percent of cancer patients live longer than five years.

&#8220To ultimately accomplish the goal of total cancer control, additional research is necessary,” Osborne said. &#8220Scientists supported by American Cancer Society funds continue to make breakthroughs that can increase the number of lives saved.”

Relay volunteers are presently being sought to help serve on the planning committee.

Subcommittees include

team recruitment, logistics, corporate sponsorship recruitment, survivors' lap and ceremony, publicity and team development.

For more information about the kickoff rally, to register

a team, or to serve as a volunteer, contact Penny Gillen at 761-2569 or Shawn Osborne at 761-2489.

Contact Sharon G. McBride at 352-2262.