Help Toward the Cancer Cause

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - 19th 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 donations received by team members prior to the event , secured from family, friends, companies or corporations, and/or team fundraisers.

WHEN: July 16th and July 17th 2010 -- 6:00 P.M. – 6:00 A.M. - Fun and entertainment throughout the night, while team members walk the track.

WHERE: College of St. Scholastica, Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN - In front of Science Building (construction there will be all completed).

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. The region that is represented by our Northern Lights Team through the Duluth Office, have 30 relay events between April and the end of August, the Duluth event is one of these, along with the Relay in Superior, WI, across the bridge, held Friday, July 9th.

WHY: The money raised helps support American Cancer Society programs in research, education, advocacy, and service – locally, statewide and nationally, to help everyone celebrate MORE BIRTHDAYS. The American Cancer Society is the "Official Sponsor of Birthdays"!!

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.

It's not to late to participate. 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 me at the local ACS office in Duluth. You may also join our "Crazy With Hope" team, from Hope United Methodist Church.

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 "CRAZY WITH HOPE" team and my name, if you wish to donate on my behalf for the team. Thank you.

See event on line – register, donate: www.acsevents.org/relay/duluth/mn (or on my facebook profile page)