Planning begins for 2013 Sanders County RFL

SANDERS COUNTY - Planning has begun for the 2013 Sanders County Relay For Life. This American Cancer Society celebration of life brings together community members concerned about cancer in a unified effort to fight back. This year the event, set for Aug. 2-3, returns to Thompson Falls High School after two years in Plains. The steering committee is seeking for volunteers and teams to help organize the event.

“I really hope we can get participants from all corners of Sanders County,” said Annie Wooden, who is co-chairperson of the 2013 Relay, along with Theresa Becker. “It’s always amazing to see the variety of people who come out to support this great cause.”

The 2013 Sanders County Relay For Life will officially kick off at the Plains-Thompson Falls boys’ basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 31, at Thompson Falls High School. Teams will be able to sign up in the commons area at the high school for a reduced fee. Information about the event, as well as the American Cancer Society’s mission, will be available. Money raised at Relay will fight cancer by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

“Even if someone doesn’t want to be on the committee, but wants to play a role in Relay,” Wooden said, “we’d love to see more volunteers.” Opportunities to get involved with Relay include everything from helping organize food and gather donations prior to Relay to coming up with activities for participants and survivors the day of the event.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, picnic, dance, play games and take turns circling around a track “relay” style to raise funds and fight cancer.  The event opens as cancer survivors lead the way and are honored with the Survivor Lap.  As the sun sets, the warm glow of hundreds of luminaria light the field in an emotional silent ceremony. Each bag lit is in honor of a loved one who won the fight against cancer or in remembrance of a special someone who lost their battle. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope in that those lost to cancer will not be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated.

Since the first Relay For Life, held in 1985 in Tacoma, Wash., the event has raised more than $4 billion at more than 5,200 events throughout the country. This year, Relay For Life has grown to more than 5,200 communities and more than 25 countries.

For more information, go to www.sanderscountyrelay.org, or contact Wooden at 544-6017.