Relay for Life Coordinators say 'We're In This Together'

By Allison Canter

"We're All In This Together" is the theme for the 2009 Relay for Life in Ashe County. The annual kick off was held Monday, Feb. 9, at Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church in downtown West Jefferson. This year's Relay for Life will be held on Friday, July 17.

Cancer survivors, caregivers, those touched by cancer in some way along with volunteers and other community members attended the event. "The feel in the air was one of excitement to kick off the 2009 season," said DeAnna S. Lewis, a media contact for Ashe County's Relay for Life.

Lisa Bottomley, community manager for the American Cancer Society, introduced this year's Relay for Life Co-Chairs, Amy Dollar and Mary Jo Black. Both Dollar and Black have been involved with Relay for several years, being team captains, committee leaders, co-chairs and directing and planning the "always anticipated" Womanless Beauty Pageant.

Bottomley said they are currently recruiting teams from businesses, churches, schools, family and friends. "Ashe County is a very generous community and Relay has always been successful," Bottomley said. "So many people in Ashe have been affected by cancer in one way or the other and they understand the importance of the event and in finding a cure for this disease.

"As colored ribbons assigned to the different types of cancer were placed throughout the room, it was evident that we really are in this fight together," said Lewis. "Each day more and more people are diagnosed with cancer, so raising money isn't just a goal, it's a necessity."

Lewis said that this year the relay was going back to the basics "with a time to celebrate, remember and fight back. It's time we celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, the strength of survivors inspires others to continue their fight. It's time to remember loved ones lost to the disease.

"At Relay, those who have walked alongside others battling cancer can grieve and find healing," Lewis continued. "It's also time to fight back. We relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately wants to put an end to the disease. History has shown that when it's time to relay, Ashe County works together, as it speaks strongly for the cause."

Lewis said the county has been very generous and people truly seem to care for this cause. The American Cancer Society has set the goal for the 2009 season in Ashe County at $75,000. In 2006 and 2007, $30,000+ was raised over the goals set. In 2007, the county raised $104,000 and last year, $76,214 was raised for the fight against cancer.

"One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime," said Bottomley. "The money raised at Relay saves lives by funding cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts, and life-affirming patient services. Local services provided in Ashe County include Look Good, Feel Better, Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery, College Scholarships for Cancer patients and free community education on cancer issues."

The next Relay Expo, according to Bottomley, is set for Monday, March 9, at Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m. There will be a station set up for each aspect of Relay. Each station will have important information and supplies for team captains, committees, volunteers and anyone interested in getting involved. Food will also be provided at the event. Anyone interested in Relay is invited to attend the event.

"During this time of job losses and pay cuts, the need of American Cancer Society services will rise," said Lewis. "People may choose not to go to the doctor, so education for early detection is a must. It's so important to mark your calendars for the 2009 Relay for Life event for Ashe County for Friday, July 17, and to plan how you can make a difference in someone's life. Because of you, lives can be saved, lives can be changed. In 2008, we had 26 teams participate, and our goal for this season is 31 teams."

In reference to this year's Relay, American Cancer Society community manager Lisa Bottomley said, "It is going to be great once again. We would love to see the community come out for this event. It is an expensive night out for the entire family. There will be food, activities for the children, Glen Sullivan DJs and entertains. There will be a Relay Store and teams will be fundraising with great stuff. You don't have to be on a team or a volunteer to attend the event. It is for the entire community."

Anyone interested in joining a team or finding out more information may contact Laura Young at (336) 384-3087 or Lisa Bottomley at (336) 372-1568 or by e-mail at lisa.bottomley@cancer.org. Bottomley said she can connect those interested with committee members who can guide them in the right direction. If you business would like to become a corporate sponsor, contact Amy Dollar at (336) 877-3949. For more information about the American Cancer Society and its Relay for Life program, click to www.Relayforlife.org.