Relay For Life Draws Near

EDGEWOOD—The unexpected wait is nearly over for Van Zandt County Relay for Life organizers and participants.

The annual fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) was one of the public events postponed last month because of the H1N1 Swine Flu epidemic. The event is now set for Friday at Edgewood High School.

"We are ready to get going," event co-chairman Patty Tabraham said. "We have already raised more than $84,000 from donations and sponsorships."

The event will start with a supper for cancer survivors and caregivers in the high school cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. The Relay For Life will begin with opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. at the football stadium. A silent auction should help boost the fundraising effort, which last year brought in $169,000, Tabraham added.

"Last year, we had 200 cancer survivors participating and we are expecting that many this year also," she said.

The money raised from Relay For Life goes to the American Cancer Society and its patient services, medical research and advocacy programs, Tabraham said.

Co-chairman Mary Ellen Miller said that although the postponement may mean some will not be able to attend or participate, it would probably open the door for others.

"We might lose some who were committed to the event on the original date, but it may free up some other people…it could even things out," she said.

To Miller and others involved, the event is far more than just a fundraiser.

"This is a time for the community to gather together and to support one another, cancer survivors, people who are caregivers, people who have lost friends and family. It is a chance to all come together at the Relay and support one another," she said.

This is the 13th year for Relay For Life in Van Zandt County and the money raised over the years has produced results in cancer research and the development of treatment options.

Miller said seeing the dollars go to work through the ACS spurs people to continue to support the effort.

"Any good news is beneficial, especially when you are a fundraising organization," she said. "People can see the money has gone to make many medical improvements in the field…People like to see their money has done some good."

The money raised also helps in funding special service programs that assist cancer patients and their families with expenses like transportation to and from hospitals and chemotherapy sessions, Miller added.

Tabraham said she has enjoyed co-chairing this year’s event.

"The best part for me is meeting all the wonderful people and the survivors, and knowing that, one day, we’re going to find a cure," she said.

"The thing is to celebrate the survivors and remember the ones we lost, and for us to continue to fight back against the diseases," Tabraham added.