The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Ready, set . . .
Local Relay for Life events take first steps toward 2008
By Terry Jacoby, Heritage Newspapers
PUBLISHED: February 14, 2008
Relay for Life is just that, a relay. It's an event that will run until cancer is finally defeated and begins long before the participants take their first steps on the walking track.
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And even though the actual event is months away, planning is well under way for both the Relay for Life of Western Washtenaw County held in Chelsea and the Relay for Life of Dexter.
"Some may say we just had Relay for Life in Chelsea, and as with any annual event, it does seem to come around quickly," said Jamie Lane, the PR/Media Chairperson for the Chelsea Relay for Life event. "However, much has happened in the months that have elapsed since Relay '07."
Lane sadly points to the passing of Wayne Weston, "a wonderful husband, father, friend and Relayer," and Sue Starkey, "a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and community leader."
Cancer is a disease that never rests, a disease that does not discriminate and a disease that takes so much from so many.
"Because cancer never rests, neither can we," Lane says. "This is why we Relay and why we do it every year with the same fervor and dedication that we had the year before. This is why Relay for Life is the most successful fund raising event for the American Cancer Society."
There were more than 4,800 Relay for Life events in more than 22 countries in 2007. More than $400 million was raised in 2007 through Relay for Life events for continuing education, advocacy, research and patient support.
Lane has seen the results of this effort up close and personal.
"Because of the strides made in cancer research and treatment, thanks in great part to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society, I have two family members that have faced cancer in the last several months and won," she said. "I have two close friends that are still facing cancer, but have more hope now than they would have had three, five or certainly 10 years ago. I know a young boy that is fighting leukemia with the newest treatments available and doing well.
"We all have these stories and unfortunately, everyone is affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly. If you have never been affected by this disease, consider yourself lucky and among a shrinking minority."
Now is not the time to rest or sit on the sidelines. Lane is urging people to get involved, and what better way than through a fun-filled event with your neighbors right in your own backyard.
Chelsea's Relay for Life Planning Committee is always looking for interested people to join the ranks.
For both veteran and prospective team Captains, the first Captains' meeting will be at 8 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Chelsea Center for the Arts on Congdon Street.
"If you have been involved in the past, consider yourself urged to continue your involvement," Lane said. "We hope that anyone interested in leading an existing team or forming a new one will plan to attend this meeting."
As an added incentive for early sign-up, the $150 registration fee will be discounted by $50 if a team registers by Feb. 29.
The Planning Committee also is inviting the community to attend this year's Relay for Life Kick-Off event scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 24 at Chelsea Lanes. There will be a short program, food and an exciting fund-raising bowling event.
"Please plan to bring your teams of four to six bowlers and your extra change," Lane says. "This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Relay for Life, be a part of a great community event and begin the annual fund-raising drive. If you are considering forming a new Relay team, please plan to join us."
The '08 Chelsea Relay for Life will be held from 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17 through 10 a.m. Sunday, May 18.
The Planning Committee has been working with the Chelsea School District to again hold the event on the track at WESC.
"We are hoping the track location will provide a better walking surface and more accessibility for survivors," Lane said. "We would like to thank the Chelsea Community Fair Board for allowing us to use the fairgrounds for the last two years. Your commitment to our community is greatly appreciated."
Many services offered by the American Cancer Society are made possible by money raised at Relay for Life events.
"Relay for Life is about celebration, remembrance and hope," Lane said. "Please join us for this life and community affirming event. You'll be glad you did."
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