American Cancer Society Announces Relay For Life

(West Branch, MI) – (July 22, 2009) – West Branch walkers go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This celebration of life brings together numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer in a unified effort to fight back.

Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at the Ogemaw Heights High School football field for an overnight relay from 10:00 am on July 25th until 10:00 am on July 26th that celebrates anyone who has battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost and empowers all to fight back against the disease.

Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life — including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, faith-based groups and community volunteers — to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) take the first lap. This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at Relay For Life events. This year’s theme is “Carnival for a Cure.” As participants make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay celebration and camp-out begins. Team members come together to celebrate, barbeque, play games and walk the track for a great cause.

The “Fight Back” Ceremony returns after debuting in 2008, in which a community leader inspires Relay participants with his/her own commitment to tangibly battle cancer, and he/she challenges them to make a personal pledge to take action (e.g., stop smoking, eat more healthily, exercise regularly, etc.)

Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony, held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. Hundreds of luminaria (bags filled with sand and a lit candle) line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser,” said Renee Busby of Compassionate Care Home Health Services, Inc. “Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.”

Compassionate Care Home Health Services, Inc. will have a tent set up with games and prizes for those who stop by. The “Compassionate Care Bears” will be available to answer questions you may have about Compassionate Care and the services they offer. Compassionate Care has been caring for residents in Michigan since 1998. Many of their clients have battled cancer and have been able to remain at home after receiving treatments.

“The funds raised will enable continued investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients,” said Busby.

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit www.RelayForLife.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. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.