28/Sep/2008
Central’s Third Relay For Life Set For Central High on Oct. 3
By: Jacqueline Mouton
In what promises to be a heartwarming display of community outreach and togetherness, Relay for Life will be hosted at Central High School’s track field October 3.
The American Cancer Society’s signature 24-hour fund-raiser is held throughout the nation to raise money to fund cancer research and support programs while giving communities the opportunity to participate in the battle against cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1,500 people will die each day from cancer in our country. It is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Relay for Life is held to remember those lost to cancer, to support those who have been diagnosed with cancer, and to celebrate the fact that one day, cancer will be eliminated.
Cancer survivor for almost 18 years and volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Garnett Brister said she gets involved with Relay for Life each year because cancer has been all too familiar in her life.
Touched by Cancer
“It is just so prevalent. There’s not a household on your street that isn’t touched by cancer one way or another,” she said.
Brister’s mother was 18 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “She was sent her to Charity Hospital in New Orleans and had a radical mastectomy in 1937. They didn’t know a whole lot back then. All they knew was to cut it out and get rid of it. They cut away everything on one side down to her arms even into the muscle,” said Brister.
Brister believes it is because of the American Cancer Society and their push to fund more and more cancer research that so much has been learned.
“Just take breast cancer,” she said. “Nowadays my mother could have had a biopsy done. They probably would’ve gone in and only cut out the cancer instead of mutilating her. Because of research and what we’re learning, a lot of cancers are manageable. You don’t have to die from it.”
Better Ways to Treat Cancer
According to American Cancer Society Development Representative Katie Baron: “With the dollars raised by Relay for Life, researchers are finding much better ways to treat cancer. We’re not just going to cut your entire breast and arm off.”
Said Brister: “With early detection, so many [types of cancer] are manageable as diseases rather than the killers they used to be. That’s what the fight back is about. Get in there, get examinations, do what you can to live healthily and join in. We can lick this thing!”
To participate in the relay, said Baron, different businesses, clubs, churches and families form teams of 10 to 15. Before the big day, the teams raise money in any creative way they can. On the night of the event, the teams set up their tents and sell food, etc. and take turns walking the track.
“Relay for Life is a big festival,” said Baron. “It starts at 6 p.m. and we’ll have d-jays, bands, space walks, games, face-painting and all the great southern food you can think of!”
Cancer Never Sleeps
The theme this year is “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.” Participants are asked to have at least one person from each team on the track throughout the event. “[The 24-hour relay] symbolizes that cancer never sleeps and we’re not going to stop fighting it,” said Baron.
The festival opens with a survivor’s ceremony at 6 p.m. During this event, Brister will speak to the crowd about her battle with and victory over cancer. She and the other cancer survivors then take a lap together to start the relay. The track is then open to all the teams.
Around 9 p.m., the festival takes a more serious tone by lining the track with luminaria bags and lighting the candles inside to remember those lost and to honor those who are still living.
“We turn off all the lights so the luminaria will be the only light you can see, and we’ll have bagpipes playing. It’s emotional. It’s a way to say ‘hey, we haven’t forgotten and we’re going to keep fighting for you.’ It’s a really good way to remember them,” said Baron.
Fight Back
Around 10:30 p.m., “Fight Back” takes place. Event coordinators ask participants what they will do to fight cancer. “Participants are asked to make a vow to the community, ranging anywhere from ‘I’m going to get a friend to stop smoking’ to ‘I’m going to have my mom get a mammogram.’ Then they sign their name on the banner. It’s their vow to take with them from the relay,” explained Baron.
The American Cancer Society invites everyone in Central to participate. “If you want to just watch the ceremony or if you don’t have a team, come out, bring your kids! If you want to help, we’ll accommodate you at any level you want to be involved in. We need community support!” said Baron.
“It’s a lot of fun as well as a serious time. We just want to recognize everyone who is touched by cancer and tell them that we love them and we’re not going to give up the fight. The whole thing is for encouragement,” said Brister.
For more information about Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society and the programs and research they support, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/
By: Jacqueline Mouton
In what promises to be a heartwarming display of community outreach and togetherness, Relay for Life will be hosted at Central High School’s track field October 3.
The American Cancer Society’s signature 24-hour fund-raiser is held throughout the nation to raise money to fund cancer research and support programs while giving communities the opportunity to participate in the battle against cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1,500 people will die each day from cancer in our country. It is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Relay for Life is held to remember those lost to cancer, to support those who have been diagnosed with cancer, and to celebrate the fact that one day, cancer will be eliminated.
Cancer survivor for almost 18 years and volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Garnett Brister said she gets involved with Relay for Life each year because cancer has been all too familiar in her life.
Touched by Cancer
“It is just so prevalent. There’s not a household on your street that isn’t touched by cancer one way or another,” she said.
Brister’s mother was 18 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “She was sent her to Charity Hospital in New Orleans and had a radical mastectomy in 1937. They didn’t know a whole lot back then. All they knew was to cut it out and get rid of it. They cut away everything on one side down to her arms even into the muscle,” said Brister.
Brister believes it is because of the American Cancer Society and their push to fund more and more cancer research that so much has been learned.
“Just take breast cancer,” she said. “Nowadays my mother could have had a biopsy done. They probably would’ve gone in and only cut out the cancer instead of mutilating her. Because of research and what we’re learning, a lot of cancers are manageable. You don’t have to die from it.”
Better Ways to Treat Cancer
According to American Cancer Society Development Representative Katie Baron: “With the dollars raised by Relay for Life, researchers are finding much better ways to treat cancer. We’re not just going to cut your entire breast and arm off.”
Said Brister: “With early detection, so many [types of cancer] are manageable as diseases rather than the killers they used to be. That’s what the fight back is about. Get in there, get examinations, do what you can to live healthily and join in. We can lick this thing!”
To participate in the relay, said Baron, different businesses, clubs, churches and families form teams of 10 to 15. Before the big day, the teams raise money in any creative way they can. On the night of the event, the teams set up their tents and sell food, etc. and take turns walking the track.
“Relay for Life is a big festival,” said Baron. “It starts at 6 p.m. and we’ll have d-jays, bands, space walks, games, face-painting and all the great southern food you can think of!”
Cancer Never Sleeps
The theme this year is “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.” Participants are asked to have at least one person from each team on the track throughout the event. “[The 24-hour relay] symbolizes that cancer never sleeps and we’re not going to stop fighting it,” said Baron.
The festival opens with a survivor’s ceremony at 6 p.m. During this event, Brister will speak to the crowd about her battle with and victory over cancer. She and the other cancer survivors then take a lap together to start the relay. The track is then open to all the teams.
Around 9 p.m., the festival takes a more serious tone by lining the track with luminaria bags and lighting the candles inside to remember those lost and to honor those who are still living.
“We turn off all the lights so the luminaria will be the only light you can see, and we’ll have bagpipes playing. It’s emotional. It’s a way to say ‘hey, we haven’t forgotten and we’re going to keep fighting for you.’ It’s a really good way to remember them,” said Baron.
Fight Back
Around 10:30 p.m., “Fight Back” takes place. Event coordinators ask participants what they will do to fight cancer. “Participants are asked to make a vow to the community, ranging anywhere from ‘I’m going to get a friend to stop smoking’ to ‘I’m going to have my mom get a mammogram.’ Then they sign their name on the banner. It’s their vow to take with them from the relay,” explained Baron.
The American Cancer Society invites everyone in Central to participate. “If you want to just watch the ceremony or if you don’t have a team, come out, bring your kids! If you want to help, we’ll accommodate you at any level you want to be involved in. We need community support!” said Baron.
“It’s a lot of fun as well as a serious time. We just want to recognize everyone who is touched by cancer and tell them that we love them and we’re not going to give up the fight. The whole thing is for encouragement,” said Brister.
For more information about Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society and the programs and research they support, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/
