Hope Wranglers

While I’m on vacation, I thought it would be a good time to do my letters that I send to my family and friends to ask for support for my Relay For Life Team. I just finished them, and they will go in the mail. I am captain again this year for our church team. We call ourselves the HOPE WRANGLERS, wrangling a cure for cancer, and our church’s name is HOPE UMC. They took me longer to do because some of my friends from out of state and relatives, I felt like I couldn’t just send them a letter about the “cause”, without writing a personal note to them. It’s a good way of keeping in touch, other than at Christmas time.

We are still looking for teams of 5-15 people to walk that evening. It is not a “race” and you don’t need to run, you don’t even need to walk all night, that’s why you have team members, to take turns. If you are interested in joining this good cause by getting a team together, call Amber or myself at the ACS Office, 727-7439. If you would like to join a team, I have openings on mine.

We also want to celebrate all those that have fought cancer or are fighting cancer. We have a survivor’s lap, where we honor cancer survivors, following the opening ceremony. You do not have to be on a team to come and take part in the ceremony. Call 727-7439 to register.

Below are some details: You may also click on my web site link on the left for the site on line. You may register or donate from there also. Click on Hope Wranglers and my name, if you wish to donate on my behalf for the team. Thank you.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - 15th Annual Duluth Community RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT

WHAT: The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a unique celebration of life in honor and in memory of those whose lives have been touched by cancer. It has been described as a “huge compassionate support group” – a place where friends, family and loved ones join to celebrate survivorship and to honor those who have lost the battle. Relay For Life involves teams of 5-15 people who take turns walking or running around a track all night long. A party-like atmosphere prevails as team members camp out on the surrounding grounds for the duration of the event to enjoy music, food, fun, entertainment and activities while building camaraderie with fellow teammates and participants. Money is raised through team commitment fees and goal of $100 average team member, secured from family, friends, companies or corporations.

WHEN: July 14th and July 15th 2006 -- 6:00 P.M. – 6:00 A.M.

WHERE: College of St. Scholastica, Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN
In front of Science Building

WHO: Everyone is welcome! All interested in the cause join teams of individuals representing clubs, corporations, organizations, neighborhoods and families at this fun, community-oriented event.

HISTORY: Relay For Life was the idea of Gordon Klatt, M.D. In 1985, Dr. Klatt ran and walked for 24-hours on a track in Tacoma, Washington, traveling about 81 miles and raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. From there, Relay For Life was born and is now held nationwide. Over $20 million was raised at 372 Relay For Life events held in the Midwest Division alone in 2000-2001.

WHY: The money raised helps support American Cancer Society programs in research, education, advocacy, and service – locally, statewide and nationally.

BENEFITS: Great community exposure. Opportunity to be a community leader. Terrific group outing. Raise money for a good cause. From the opening lap, led by the cancer survivors, to the emotional candle-lighting ceremony, through the triumphant final lap, Relay For Life is something participants will always remember!

HIGHLIGHTS: SURVIVORS VICTORY LAP:Cancer survivors from around the community are invited to take a victory lap and be cheered on by fellow participants. This is a true celebration of their courageous battle.

LUMINARIA CEREMONY: A candlelight ceremony that pays tribute to those who have been affected by cancer. Luminaries are purchased in honor of those who have survived their battle with cancer, for those still fighting, and in memory of those who have courageously battled this disease, but lost. The Luminarias are kept burning throughout the night to represent the healing power of community and the importance of funding to find a cure.

See event on line – register, donate: www.acsevents.org/relay/mn/duluth