For more information
contact:
Lisa M. Anthon, APR
716/689-6982
extension 113
716/432-1196 cell
lisa.anthon@cancer.org
Local
Volunteers needed to Join ‘Relay for Life’ Movement
American Cancer Society
Comes to Grand Island
Amherst, New
York—March 29, 2005–
WHO: The American Cancer Society
seeks various types of volunteers to lend a helping hand for its annual Relay
For Life event to support cancer research, education and patient and
family services in the Western New York community. More than ever, people are
looking for a sense of community and the American Cancer Society is fulfilling
that need with the Relay For Life event. There are many ways that
you can help.
Survivors – Come
out and join your community to celebrate life. Inspire others and help kick off
your local Relay For Life event by walking in the Survivor Lap.
In 2004, more than 500,000 cancer survivors walked in the opening lap of Relay
For Life.
Caregivers – Come out
to Relay and be recognized for all of your selfless deeds in taking care of
someone with cancer
Committee Members – Different
committees are forming now in many areas such as entertainment, games, food,
prizes, etc.
Volunteers – Volunteers
are needed for many areas, registration, participation, team recruitment, etc.
Groups – Local
companies, community groups, civic associations, religious organizations,
schools, etc., can also take up the fight against cancer. Form a Relay
For Life team or be a sponsor. Sponsorships can be tailored to a
group’s ability to give.
WHAT: The
American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is an overnight
community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance,
and take turns walking or running around a track “relay” style to raise funds
to fight cancer. Now in its 21st year, Relay has spread to 4,200
communities in the United States and nine other countries.
At nightfall, participants will
light hundreds of luminaria candles around the track in a moving ceremony to
honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the
disease. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents
hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face
cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated.
WHEN/WHERE:
April
22 – 23 SUNY at Buffalo
May
21 – 22 Barker
June
4 – 5 Akron
June
4 – 5 Jamestown
June
4 – 5 West Seneca
June
10 - 11 Lewiston
June
10 - 11 Grand Island
June
10 - 11 Ellicottville
June
11 - 12 Hamburg
June
11 - 12 Dunkirk/Fredonia
June
17 - 18 Elma
June
18 - 19 Ken-Ton
HOW: If you would like to
volunteer or find out how to build a team for the American Cancer Society Relay
For Life in your community, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
The American Cancer
Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving
lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education,
advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46
community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout New York
and New Jersey. For 24-hour cancer information, call toll-free
1-800-ACS-2345 or
visit www.cancer.org.
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