Community rallies to support Cancer Society”Relay for Life” program scheduled August 27

Published 2:17 pm Wednesday, December 21, 2005

The third Hamilton County “Relay for Life” sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is a rally of support and recognition from the community for cancer victims and survivors, along with those who lost the battle to cancer.



The “Relay for Life” program is slated for August 27, beginning 6 p.m., at the old Hamilton County High School track. Registration time for participation in the event is set at 5:30 p.m.

The Relay is ACS’s signature activity. It is an unique event that offers communities an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to join the “Relay for Life” by walking the first lap (also known as the Survivor’s Victory Lap) at the old HCHS track.



The event will also feature a special Luminaria Ceremony at dusk, with candles lit around the track in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer and in honor of those who continue to fight the disease.

The educational component of the program will include presentations by three speakers. Subjects will include cancer prevention and early detection, plus general health and nutrition related topics, given by Dr. Wayne Rahming of Trinity Hospital in Jasper, along with Southeast Regional Cancer Center’s doctors David Cho and Eric Rost.



According to Hamilton County Community Representative for ACS Mel Toran, live entertainment, provided by all local performers will be included, along with refreshments available for the public in attendance. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony – first lap – a reception for survivors will follow at Central Hamilton Elementary.



This year, 16-teams have registered to participate in the relay portion of the program: Bank of America, Dr. Ben Norris, First Federal Savings, Hamilton County Coordinator’s office, Council on Aging, Hamilton County CI, I-75 Welcome Center, PCS, Suwannee Valley Nursing, Trinity Hospital, HC Health Dept., Jasper Volunteer Firefighters, Westfield Apartment Management, White Springs Vol. Fire Dept., Calvary Baptist Church, along with School Board employees. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all time during the event.



The power of the ‘Relay’ allows a community to grieve for those lost to cancer and to celebrate those who have survived. For a newly diagnosed patient, the program offers an opportunity to meet others who have had the same type of cancer and survived, while the patient in treatment shares experiences with others.



All funds raised will support American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem, through research, education, advocacy and service. Because Hamilton’s “”Relay for Life” is a community gathering rather than an athletic event, everyone is invited to participate.



For further information, Toran can be reached at (888) 295-6787, ext. 119.