Survivor's story kicks off Relay for Life planning
While the seventh annual New EgyptArea Relay for Life kickoff event drew a large crowd on Feb. 24, this year's keynote speaker brought out the real meaning of Relay of Life.

According to a press release, Jim Matthews of Millstone Township, a 12- year cancer survivor, told the gathering, "There is so much strength and fellowship involved with Relay for Life, you become energized to be a part of it."

The Relay for Life kickoff event was held at Indian Rock Campground in Jackson.

Matthews told the crowd his own story of battling cancer. Matthews said when he first went to the doctor, he was thinking he possibly had a painful shoulder injury from playing sports, but after several tests his doctors found cancer.

He said that after he received that diagnosis, he began reading about cancer and getting educated.

Matthews eventually won his battle with cancer and it changed his life.

"My belief in God had a tremendous impact on me and helped me through that tough time. After 12 years since being diagnosed with cancer, I feel great," he said.

Relay for Life co-chair Anita Pfefferkorn of Millstone Township said, "Jim's personal story is inspirational and one of the reasons we believe in the dedicated work of Relay."

She and co-chair Jack Trotta, a resident of the New Egypt section of Plumsted, unveiled this year's Relay for Life theme: "Imagine - A World Without Cancer."

Nikki Bickart, an American Cancer Society liaison, told the crowd this year's event is planned for Friday evening,May 9, and said it will wrap up with a sunrise gathering on May 10.

Pfefferkorn said, "What better way to start theMother's Day weekend than to come out, support Relay for Life, and honor your mother or her memory. Relay for Life is not a race. It is a gathering to honor all survivors where we embrace in a common goal to fight cancer. And with the progress we've collectively made, I, too, can imagine a world without cancer."

Anyone who wishes to be involved in the New Egypt Area Relay for Life may contact nikki.bickart@acs.org or anita@indianrockresort.com or call Anita Pfefferkorn at (732) 786-1881.