Relay for Life keeps hope alive of a cure for cancer
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

PLUMSTED - A fun-filled overnight relay, the sixth annual Relay for Life, will raise money for the American Cancer Society. The theme this year will be "Decades of Hope, Time for a Cure."

"My life has been touched by so many brave people who have fought cancer," said committee chairperson Nancy Mannuccia. "I'm pleased to participate in the Relay for Life in their honor and memory."

From 2 p.m. June 9 until sunrise June 10, teams of participants will walk or run around the track at New Egypt High School, Evergreen Road. The event will take place rain or shine. Other events, open to the public, are also planned.

"This year represents a significant increase in the number of participants with special interest from those in our school systems," said public relations chairman John Pfefferkorn. "The example they are setting is inspirational. I can't wait for the fun on relay day and the love of sharing our mission of finding a cure for cancer."

The day's activities will begin at noon with a luncheon for cancer survivors. Limited seating is for survivors or current cancer patients and their caregivers.

Lunch is being prepared as a service project by the Millstone Township Girl Scouts Service Unit.

Names of those wishing to attend the luncheon should be forwarded to Paul.Dinero@cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

Opening ceremonies for the public will begin at 2 p.m. A luminaria (candle) ceremony will take place at 10 p.m.

To date, 50 teams with about 500 registered participants have signed up to take part in the relay. Each team has chosen to represent a different decade including, "Decade of the Pirates," "Relay at the Disco" and "The Hope Hippies."

Funds raised by the team members will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Throughout the day and night there will be food vendors, pony rides, a dunk tank, and music by DJ Renegade Rich and two local bands.

Concluding ceremonies will begin at sunrise June 10.

Pfefferkorn said contributions to the Relay for Life help the American Cancer Society fight cancer in four ways: research, education, advocacy and patient services. He said the society funds about $130 million worth of cancer research each year.

"We couldn't have come this far without the generosity of many contributors and the volunteers who share a goal to fight cancer," said executive committee chairwoman Anita Pfefferkorn. "I'm very pleased with the outreach and support and especially from the younger people who have gotten personally involved. It's important for people to recognize that their efforts have a major collective impact. Every contribution of time and money brings us one step closer to the goal of reaching a cure."