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Wednesday, Oct. 08, 2008

ACS getting word out about cancer battle, Relay for Life

Did you know that over the last year in Houston County, 60 people participated in more than six programs offered through the American Cancer Society?

Or that 19 families took shelter at Hope Lodge in Atlanta, a home away from home for cancer patients and their loved ones as they sought treatment? How about that 62 people in Peach County received important cancer-related information from ACS, or 18 people in both Houston and Peach counties received medication assistance and other financial support?

Through community fundraising efforts, principally Relay for Life, not only is money being raised in support of finding a cure for cancer, but volunteers can also join a movement to help effect change and spread a powerful message.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event, bringing communities together to help fight cancer, raise money and spread awareness. During these fun-filled overnight events, teams camp out at designated schools, fairgrounds or other community spots and take turns walking or running around a track or path. In the months leading up to the Relay for Life event, team members raise money for the cause.

Last year in Houston County, $325,412 was raised in the fight against cancer. Peach County raised $58,534.

Here's a basic rundown of how Relay for Life works: Teams are formed from local businesses, schools, churches, civic groups and other organizations. Captains and volunteers make up the teams, all of whom raise money online and in the community in support of cancer research and education.

Money raised locally is used to help support the community. In addition to helping fund local programs, transportation is also made available to those in need.

Notably, from September 2004 until August 2007, more Houston County residents spent time at Hope Lodge than from any other county in Georgia, according to Heather Gilbert with the American Cancer Society in Macon.

Twenty-two people from Houston County spent time at the Atlanta lodge, staying a combined 748 nights. Last year alone, 19 people spent 348 nights there. Bibb County had the second-most residents who spent time at the lodge.

The accommodations in Atlanta are free to adults receiving treatment, who must be referred by a physician or other healthcare provider. Atlanta is one of 22 Hope Lodge sites.

Relay for Life will celebrate a milestone in 2009, marking 25 years of fundraising efforts. According to the ACS Web site, the event began when a volunteer, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash., surgeon, wanted to show his support for his patients who battled cancer. He raised money for the fight by running marathons. He spent 24 hours circling a track, running more than 83 miles. Friends donated to the cause throughout the night by contributing money and running or walking with the doctor. Their efforts raised $27,000.

Relay for Life celebrates survivors while also remembering those who have passed on. The event in Houston County will be held May 15 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. Peach County's event will be held April 24 at Byron Elementary School.

Relay for Life committees are now being formed in Houston and Peach counties. This year's theme in Houston is "Stay Tuned for a Cure," with teams being asked to decorate their camp sites as a television show.

SAVE THE DATES

Houston's kick-off will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the senior cafe of Houston County High School. Peach County's will be announced at a later date. Everyone is welcome to attend to gather information or learn about volunteer opportunities.
Committee meetings in Houston will be Jan. 12, February 9, March 9, April 13 and May 4. Meeting times are 6 p.m. at Houston County High.

Past committee members are being invited back for next year's 25th-year celebrations in Houston and Peach.

A volunteer summit in Macon was held recently, with several local volunteers recognized for their efforts.

Eugenia Powell was recognized for her advocacy efforts over the last five years and for helping to lead Peach County's relay activities. Powell is a cancer survivor and a State Farm agent in Byron. Powell, who also received a leadership award, began her volunteerism as a team captain in 1998. She continued as survivor chair for seven years and is currently team recruitment chair. She attended the 2004 Celebration on the Hill and has served as an ACS ambassador for six years.

Thaina Brown-Brake, who retired from Houston Healthcare in 2007, has been a volunteer for 17 years and was recognized for her efforts to market cancer society programs. She was most recently lead volunteer for the CPS-3 cancer prevention studies during the 2008 relay, actively promoting a marketing plan in local media. The Houston County site was one of many Relay for Life events that participated in the research.

Houston Healthcare received the Sponsorship Award, partnering with the ACS in sponsoring an annual breast cancer luncheon at the Museum of Aviation. The hospital not only provided volunteers but also promoted the cancer society's programs. Staff members were trained for several programs, including I Can Cope, and classes were held at Houston Healthcare facilities.

The Colleges Against Cancer chapter at Fort Valley State University was recognized for its outstanding service in tobacco use prevention with youth and adults. The college distributed anti-smoking material in the student center, sponsored the annual Kickbutts concert and coordinated a celebrity basketball game.

HOW TO REGISTER

When participants register a team, they will notice a new Web site this year with a more identifiable address. For information in Houston County, visit www.relayforlife.org/houstonga. In Peach County, visit www.relayforlife.org/peachga.

You may also contact Heather Gilbert with the American Cancer Society at (478) 743-6391 or e-mail her at heather.gilbert@cancer.org. Also, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Relay for Life 2009

Houston County: May 15, Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry

Peach County: April 24, Byron Elementary School

To register teams or for information, visit www.relayforlife.org/houstonga or www.relayforlife.org/peachga.

To contact writer Jenny Gordon, call 923-3109, extension 240.