RELAY FOR LIFE

I had the opportunity to attend the 2003 Relay For Life Kickoff meeting on January 16th. Jeri Bowden was instrumental in having both Port Angeles Soroptimist clubs participate last year. I would like you to consider our involvement this year.

The Relay For Life will be held on June 6, 2003 (Friday) at 6:00 p.m. until June 7th, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. The event takes place at the Port Angeles High School track. There is a $75.00 team commitment fee and that fee includes 12 (team) t-shirts. If enough people are interested, we could have a Sequim SI team or join the P.A. Soroptimist team. The teams of 8-15 participants join with the cancer survivors (honored guests) and their families for the 24-hour Relay, with alternating “shifts.” Most walkers sign up for one or two hour “shifts” during the 24 hour event. One member of each team should be on the track throughout the event; the participant can be walking or sitting in a lawn chair on the track. The theme this year is “Carnival.” There will be entertainment, food and activities during the entire Relay. There are colorful decorated tents, prizes, games and fun for everyone enjoying the Relay experience.

Opening the Relay For Life, are cancer survivors walking the first lap. The team participants then start their rotations for the rest of the event. After dark, luminary bags are lit in honor of survivors, those battling cancer and in memory of those who have lost their lives to the disease. The candles stay lit throughout the night, motivating the walkers through their paces. Relay For Life is a celebration of life. Thanks to rapidly advancing technology, early detection and education about prevention more people survive today than ever before.

Relay For Life is a lot more than just another fund raiser. It is about being part of a community that takes the fight against cancer, coming together for a common cause. It serves to remind us that, although progress continues to be made in the crusade against cancer, there is so much more to be done. This fun-filled event is designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and American Cancer Society programs.

The first Relay For Life was held in Tacoma, WA in 1985. Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, raised $27000.00 as the sole participant in the relay where he clocked 83 miles. There are now over 3000 events held nationwide (plus in 7 foreign countries) and the American Cancer Society hopes to raise $200 million dollars. The goal for Clallam county this year is $85,000. Co-chairs for the Clallam Relay are Sam Lee (452-4010) and Christy Casey (417-3154). Additional information about the Relay For Life can be found on the American Cancer Society website: www.cancer.org.

Please consider this opportunity to participate in the
Relay For Life.

Colleen Blazier
Health Committee Coordinator