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American Cancer Society announces Relay for Life

Mount Pleasant and Lowcountry walkers and runners are set to go round-the-clock in a battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. 

This “celebration of life” brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Teams of enthusiastic citizens from all walks of life will gather at the Wando High School track for a 12-hour relay against cancer from 7 p.m. on April 20 until 7 a.m. on April 21.

Relay for Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life—including patients, medical support staff, business corporations, civic organizations, churches and volunteers—to join together to fight cancer. 

“Relay for Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser,” said Nevil McDowell, event chair. “Many of the participants will be people who have been cured for cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in cancer cure rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.”

The event opens as cancer survivors walk, run or wheelchair the first lap. An emotional time, this portion sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution.

Highlighting the evening is the luminaria service held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminarias line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay for Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 744-1922.

For information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society's 24-hour hot line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit its Web site at <http://www.cancer.org>.

Luminaria ceremony honor cancer victims, survivors

A special luminaria ceremony held during the American Cancer Society's Mt. Pleasant Relay for Life remembers those lost to cancer and honors those who have survived. The luminarias will be lit at Wando High School’s track in Mt. Pleasant at 10 p.m., April 20.

Relay For Life brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back. Former and current cancer patients, their families, businesses, civic organizations and the public are invited to participate in this exciting team event. 

Relay For Life is a family-oriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team and raise funds to support the activities of the American Cancer Society. Participants camp out at the Relay site and when they are not taking their turn walking or running, they take part in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment. 

Mount Pleasant's cancer survivors will kick off the event on April 20 at 7 p.m. with the first official lap and followed by participants. 

Anyone wishing to purchase luminaries  can contact Audrey Smith at the local American Cancer Society office, 744-1922. Each luminaria candle is $10. 

Information about forming a team or walking in the survivors’ lap is also available.

2001 American Cancer Society's Relay For Life Series
Mt. Pleasant, Wando High School, April 20-21
North Charleston, Stall HS, April 27-28
Moncks Corner, Berkeley HS, April 27-28
James Island, James Island HS, May 4-5
Summerville, Ft. Dorchester HS, May 4-5
Hanahan, Hanahan Rec. Complex, May 18-19
West Ashley, Middleton HS, May 18-19