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MUSC Relay for Life teams promote cancer awareness by Lauren Bobier  Arcadia Publishing Relay for Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that raises money which will stay in Charleston County to fund local programs for survivors, research, and education.     Relay for Life is a team event that promotes cancer awareness, celebrates survivorship, and remembers those who lost the battle with cancer through an inspiring 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. fundraiser. It is an overnight event to remind us that cancer never sleeps. It promotes a family atmosphere that  is fun for people of all ages.  When is Relay for Life?  This year’s Relay is Friday, April 29 through Saturday, April 30, at West Ashley High School from 7 p.m to 7 a.m.  How do I form a team?  Get 10-15 of your friends, family, co-workers, pets, etc., and select a team captain. The team captain can get in touch with Casey Liddy at 792-3432 or 388-8154 or e-mail at liddyct@musc.edu to sign up.  Where does the money go?  Proceeds from the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life go to support educational programs and research in the Charleston County area. Arguably most important, Relay funds support our local Hope Lodge, which provides no-cost housing for cancer patients undergoing treatment. For those who would have had to travel more than 40 miles to receive medical attention, Hope Lodge serves as a home away from home. Charleston’s Hope  Lodge, the first of 22 in the United States, is located on the corner of Calhoun Street and Ashley Avenue.     Sam Diminich from Myrtle Beach is a guest staying at the Charleston American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. He explained, “The dreaded diagnosis was to hear the words ‘cancer.’ I was completely overwhelmed.”     “The people here have been caring, very kind and sympathetic to all of us—the patients and their families,” Diminich said. “I don’t know what I would do  without the Hope Lodge. Being here with others going through similar challenges and sharing support and stories has meant so much. I’m continually struck by the ‘spirit’ here at the Hope Lodge. Everyone is so upbeat.”   Friday, April 8, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.