L-R - Jean Simers, Ed Lord and Judy Watson
of the American Cancer Society, Sue and John Oshoway
Volunteers from Calhoun County recently attended the American Cancer Society's 2005 Relay University in Morgantown where they accepted the award for raising $27,877.15 on behalf of their community's event.
Volunteers attending from Calhoun County included Jean Simers, Sue Oshoway and John Oshoway.
With the theme "South Atlantic Division World Class Relay," the two-day conference recognized achievement for outstanding 2005 Relay For Life events and offered participants intensive learning opportunities in preparation for next year's Relays. In addition, each person in attendance gained personal insight into how his or her individual efforts with Relay fit into the American Cancer Society's big picture and their impact both in the community and nationwide.
Ed Lord presented the awards, citing the hard work and achievement of each community's event. "Our sincere congratulations to the volunteers, participants and sponsors of Calhoun County for winning this award," said Lord, Senior Vice President for West Virginia. "We value the volunteers in Calhoun County and truly appreciate their outstanding effort."
In 2005, Relay events were held across the nation in 4,370 communities and raised $351.5 million. Since its beginning in 1985, Relay has grown from one event to a national and international phenomenon.
Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship.
The funds raised from the events support the American Cancer Society's mission to eliminate cancer through research, prevention and early detection programs.
Relay represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated.
During the event, teams gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running around a track. Participants camp out around the track and when they aren't taking their turn on the track, enjoy a variety of entertainment and team activities.
Teams consist of 10 to 15 individuals representing businesses, churches, schools, neighborhoods, families and other community groups.
Each Relay For Life begins by honoring cancer survivors as they make the event's first lap, with other participants from the community cheering them on. A luminaria service takes place just after dark at every Relay event in the United States. Candles lit in the luminaria bags represent cancer survivors or those who have lost their battle to cancer.
At this emotional moment during the event, activities cease and participants pause to reflect on and celebrate their loved ones. The candles burning throughout the night light the way and serve as reminders of the significance of participants' contributions.
Relay For Life is not only a fundraiser; it also brings awareness to the community about the advancement in cancer research, prevention, and detection. Many of the participants are cancer survivors, and their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made not only in cancer cure rates, but also in the quality of life following cancer treatment.
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.
For more information about cancer call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 24 hours a day or visit our web site at www.cancer.org
For more information about Relay For Life in Calhoun County, please call Judy Watson at your local American Cancer Society office at 304-643-4870.
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