RUSK LIONS CLUB
Cindy Kline speaks about American Cancer Society
BY BILLY WATSON SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Bobbie Burch and Amy Derrington announced that Greg James Country Motors and employees were to sponsor a barbecue lunch Jan. 16, to raise funds for Rick Perry, an employee who has cancer. Ms. Burch announced that all the new members Lions Club jackets have been received. She also stated that Elizabeth Oliver and Shelby Adams want to attend Lions Club Youth Camp this summer. The club chose Jim Netters to follow through with all the required procedures again for this year's event. Artis Brown reminded everyone of the Lions Club 2 S-1 mid-winter conference to be held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19- 20 in Woodville. Ms. Burch announced the 3 Rivers Pine Wood Derby for the Cub Scouts would be Feb. 3 at the Rusk Civic Center.

Ms. Derrington introduced Cindy Kline who brought the program on the American Cancer Society.

A Relay for Life of Cherokee County will be held from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. April 27-28th, at Mauldin Field , Jacksonville. What is Relay for Life? It is the ACS's nationwide signature event to strengthen communities, raise funds and allow people to show support in the fight against cancer. Every relay is a community-developed event that is volunteer driven and coached by ACS staff. The event is a celebration of life for cancer survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost and a rallying point for the community to fight cancer. Teams from businesses, clubs, schools, churches, families, friends and service organizations assist in raising money for the American Cancer Society programs in education, research, advocacy, and patient services. A team consists of 8- 15 members who join together to raise money and have fun doing it.

In 2005 an estimated 92,754 Texans were diagnosed with cancer, an estimated 37,712 Texans died of the disease.

Last year Cherokee County had 34 teams participating and raised more than $64K with 126 survivors, and this year their goal is to have a least 40 teams to raise 100K and have at least 150 survivors. The money raised goes for research, education, advocacy and service.

This year's theme is NASCAR-We are Racing for a Cure. N-Network of A-Action to -Stop C-Cancer & A-Accelerate R-Research. Interested persons in Jacksonville may contact Louise Pierson at (903)586-7781 or www. mamalouise2002@yahoo.com.