By ANNA LOCKE

What is Relay?

Relay For Life is a signature fund-raising event brought to you by the American Cancer Society. It is a gathering of people from our community designed to spread awareness of cancer prevention, treatments and cures, celebrate survivorship and raise money for research to find more cures for cancer.

The American Cancer Society was able to award research centers in our great state over 10.7 million dollars to support vital research thus providing treatments & cures for cancers! This money was raised at Relay For Life events state wide. Over 122 events were held in 2008 within Tennessee.

When is the Clay County Relay For Life?

The Clay County Relay For Life will be held June 26th 2009. Ceremonies will begin at 6:00 p.m. and run all night until 6:00 a.m. Our event is held at the old Clay County High School Football Field. Do not let the time scare you. Relay runs all night to display that “cancer never sleeps”. Come for several hours or stay all night!

Food, Fun, & lots of kid’s activities will be available. Our Entertainment starts at 6:00 pm with a professional DJ taking your requests. Area musical groups will be performing throughout the evening into the night time hours.

Who can attend the event?

Everyone! The entire community, regardless of age is invited to attend. The event is geared toward every age. We already have teams from churches, from schools and local businesses registered. All the teams have wonderful ideas to keep the public amused all night long!

How do the participating teams raise money?

Not only do the teams show up that night . . . they raise money all year round for the American Cancer Society. It’s not all about the competition between teams; it’s all about the competition to beat cancer. Teams will have a variety of food available, so plan on buying your dinner and evening snacks to help support your favorite team. The team having the most money at the conclusion of the Relay will be honored.

What exactly is a campsite?

The campsites are areas given to particular teams. The teams will decorate their campsite to fit the theme of Relay. This year’s theme is “Prime Time for a Cure” (TV Shows). We already have teams planning on decorating their sites. The campsites are the areas where team members will rest and relax after walking laps, making strides against cancer. Most sites will have a variety of delicious food to purchase & fun activities. All proceeds from the food and fun at Relay are a part of that team’s fund-raising efforts.

How do cancer survivors play a role?

Each Relay begins by honoring cancer survivors. Survivors are people of all ages. Some survivors have recently been diagnosed, while others have survived cancer for five years, ten years or longer. Cancer survivors gather together and start Relay by walking a ceremonial first lap. This lap signifies that cancer is a disease that can be cured. The survivors are proof that they overcame cancer, and are able to live a fulfilling life after their diagnosis and treatment.

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Remember, June 26th 2009 is our event. We invite the public to come out, enjoy the entertainment, & enjoy what are teams are offering. See you there!