It's time for Cherokee County to plan 'Relay for Life'
BY CYNTHIA KLINE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Cancer is a disease that will affect every one of us. Each of us will either have cancer or will love someone who does. The Relay is an American Cancer Society event that is utilized to raise money in the search for the cure and to fund services provided by the American Cancer Society to individuals affected by cancer in Cherokee County.

Relay for Life is the largest event held by the American Cancer Society. It is an all night community based event that is held in communities throughout America. A relay has been held in Cherokee County for the past eight years. This year's Relay is scheduled for April 27 at Mauldin Field in Jacksonville. However, a kickoff meeting was held Monday night in Jacksonville and another kickoff will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 at the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union. Last year was the most successful year ever for the Relay for Life of Cherokee County. More than $64,000 was raised to promote research, services, education and advocacy for victims of cancer in this area. There were 34 teams participating and 126 survivors were recognized.

The 2007 Relay For Life of Cherokee County is in need of individuals who wish to help in the planning, organization, promotion, structure and implementation of the relay. Persons are invited to look over the following committee list and let Cynthia Kline, chairman of Relay for Life, know if they are interested in chairing that committee or simply serving on one them. This is not all of the positions...so let me know if you don't see one that interests you.

· Team recruitment/retention - encourages recruitment of new teams and teams from the area that have participated in the past.

· Team captain manager - assist in the communication between the committee and the team captains. Keep the team captains informed, motivated and focused.

· Underwriting/sponsorship - assist in contacting local busi- nesses, corporations, banks and health professionals to secure underwriting to cover the expenses of the event.

· Publicity and marketing - gets the word out and keeps it out in the public promoting Relay for Life

· Education/mission delivery/ advocacy - promote educational information and activities the night of relay and at meetings to provide education regarding cancer, research and services.

· Luminaria - assist in the planning and coordination of the luminaria sales and the touching luminaria ceremony.

· Logistics - assist in the preparation of the site and secure items needed for the event.

· Activities/games - coordinate activities and games for the night of relay to involve teams, survivors and attendees in fun, fellowship and competition.

Persons unable to serve on the committee but are interested in having a team are asked to call Ms. Kline. Also, cancer survivors are asked to contact Ms. Kline. She can be reached at Rusk State Hospital (903) 683-7483; home, (903) 795-3604; cell, (936) 631-1654 or e-mail, cherokeerelayforlife@ yahoo.com.