Allen’s walkers and runners go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This “celebration of life” brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.
Teams of enthusiastic citizens from all walks of life will gather at Allen High School Practice Field for a 12-hour relay against cancer from 6:00 PM on May 7, 2004 at 6 PM until 6AM on May 8, 2004.
Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life - including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers - to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.
Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk, run, or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events. As you make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other: eating, playing games, and, of course, walking or running for a great cause.
Highlighting the evening is the luminaria service held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.
“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser,” said Toni Chandler, event chair. “Many of the participants will be people who have been cured of cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in cancer cure rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.
“The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research, and services to patients,” said Toni Chandler. “Due to the generosity of the community, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society's lifesaving programs.”
Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from the Team Chairperson, Lisa Weston at 972- 678-2535 or the American Cancer Society at or 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the web site at www.cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.
