American Cancer Society Relay For Life Comes to Grand Island

WHAT:

· The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, and take turns walking or running around a track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. Now in its 21^st year, Relay has spread to 4,700 communities in the United States and nine other countries.

· At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria candles around the track in a touching ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease. Relay For Life represents hope 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.

WHO:

· The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is an event that brings the community together. Currently, volunteers are needed to lend a helping hand for this annual event that supports cancer research, education and patient and family services in the Grand Island community. There are many types of volunteers needed to help.

Survivors and Caregivers – Join your community to celebrate life. Inspire others and help kick off your local Relay For Life event by walking in the Survivor Lap. In 2005, more than 500,000 cancer survivors walked in the opening lap of Relay For Life in communities across the country.

Committee Members – Many different committees are now forming in areas such as entertainment, games, food, prizes, etc.

Event Volunteers – Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, participation, team recruitment, etc.

Groups – Local companies, community groups, civic associations, religious organizations, schools, etc. are encouraged to participate. Form a Relay For Life team or become a sponsor. Sponsorships can be tailored to meet a group’s ability to give.

WHEN/WHERE:

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 - Relay For Life Kick-Off - High School Auditorium 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 - 1^st Team Captain’s Meeting - High School Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007 – 2^nd Team Captain’s Meeting - High School Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 – 3rd Team Captain’s Meeting - High School Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 – Final Team Captain’s Meeting - High School Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

Friday, June 8, 2007 – Grand Island Relay For Life 2007 – Masters Field

HOW:

· If you would like to volunteer or find out how to build a team for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life in your community, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/relay. Create a virtual team or donate online anytime at www.cancer.org/relay.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout NY and NJ. For 24-hour cancer information, the public can call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.