Dateline: June 19, 2003

Lap of Hope begins American Cancer Society Relay For Life 

In a nation where more than one million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, Donley County is invited to celebrate life.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a unique fund-raising event in which teams of participants take turns walking or running the track for 12 hours in an effort to fight cancer.  Teams camp out, eat, and play games.  This year’s Relay For Life will take place at Clarendon College Track on August 1 - 2.

The message of the event is cancer can be conquered.  This theme of hope is ignited as the ceremony begins with a cancer survivor lap.  This emotional lap honors the courage of all who have defeated cancer.  Each survivor is introduced, and then all will walk, run, or wheelchair the opening lap - unified in victory and in hope.

The atmosphere of Relay For Life is one of camaraderie and celebration, providing an opportunity for cancer survivors to pass the torch of hope on to those still battling cancer or those that might be touched by cancer in the future.

If you or anyone you know is a cancer survivor and would like to take part in Relay For Life, please call your American Cancer Society at 874-2141.  All survivors receive a free Relay For Life T-shirt.