RELAY FOR LIFE: Celebrating our survivors

Submitted by Jennifer Elias

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life has always been about celebrating, remembering and fighting back. We celebrate our cancer survivors, we remember those we have lost to cancer, and we fight back against this dreadful disease.

Cancer survivors are the reason we Relay; they give everyone hope that through research and new cures, more people are surviving cancer every year.

In fact, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 400 lives a day from cancer, up from 350 a few years ago, which shows that cancer death rates are moving in the right direction.

But there is still more work to be done; no one will be satisfied until cancer is eliminated as a major cause of death.

This year, Mineral County celebrates its 15th year of participation in Relay For Life as members of the community come together to share in a ‘Carnival of Hope’ on June 28th at the Superior High School track.

The evening begins with a special reception at 5:00 p.m. in honor of cancer survivors and their caregivers.

A cancer survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words, “You have cancer.” All cancer survivors, their families and caregivers are invited to attend the Survivor Reception, which will take place in the Commons Area of the Superior High School.

Nearly 100 survivors attended last year’s Relay For Life Survivor Reception. “My husband and I join cancer survivors at Relay For Life to support its efforts in saving lives through awareness and fund raising,” said Gigi DuBois of De Borgia, a two-year cancer survivor. “We are ‘living’ proof that all types of cancer are being beaten every day through the research and education of the American Cancer Society.” Gigi went on to say that both she and her husband John are cancer survivors and credit the amazing advances in cancer research with saving their lives.

The Opening Ceremony follows the Survivors Reception and brings everyone together for a high-energy event kickoff to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, to inspire hope by sharing recent accomplishments and progress, and to remind everyone that while we are winning this battle, fighting cancer is a year-round priority. Participants will then gather to cheer in support as all cancer survivors take the ceremonial first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer.

Accommodations will be available for those who need assistance in taking the first lap.

No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Mineral County’s Relay For Life event.

Your reason for participating is as unique and special as the story that motivates you.

If you’ve been affected by cancer in any way, being part of Relay will empower you to make a difference and fight back.

This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost to this disease, and raise funds and awareness to help end cancer forever.

For more information on attending the Survivors Reception and/or how you can become involved in your local Mineral County Relay for Life, call Micki Tourtelotte, Event Chair, at 822-4247 or visit www.mineralcountyrelay.org.

You may also contact the American Cancer Society anytime, day or night, for information, to get help, or to join the fight, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.