Relay for Life helps those in our community
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March 6, 2014 |
By Laura Roady
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
helps cancer patients -- past, present and
future -- on more than one level. Proceeds from
the event fund cancer research, education,
prevention and patient services.
“The money we raise primarily goes to research
at the grass roots level,” explained Abbie
Davis, Relay for Life community relationship
manager.
The American Cancer Society receives grant
applications and funds approximately 12 percent
of the top grant applications. Of those
researchers, 48 have become Nobel Prize winners.
Locally, a Washington State University professor
is studying algae to advance cancer research,
said Davis.
The money raised also helps get people through
treatment, and that is where the funds are spent
locally explained Davis.
Funds help the “Road to Recovery” program, which
matches volunteer drivers with cancer patients
needing rides to treatment.
The American Cancer Society also helps provide
free lodging for those undergoing cancer
treatment. The Spokane division is third in the
nation for giving free lodging to cancer
patients, according to Davis.
“The American Cancer Society was very helpful to
us,” said Dean Satchwell, a cancer survivor.
“You’re helping me. I appreciate it. There is a
definite need for help up here.”
Seventy-two cents of every dollar raised goes to
fulfill the American Cancer Society’s missions,
including research, survivorship and quality of
life.
The goal of the American Cancer Society is to
have three out of three people survive cancer.
Currently, survivorship is two out of three,
Davis said.
“I don’t want our kids to know cancer,” she
said.
Davis has a goal of the community raising
$25,000 during the first annual Bonners Ferry
Relay for Life. Community members can help reach
this goal by forming a team and fundraising,
supporting fundraising efforts, becoming a
business sponsor, volunteering to help organize
the event and/or participating in the Relay for
Life event.
In communities throughout America, people gather
together to help fight cancer at Relays For
Life. Relay for Life is the American Cancer
Society’s national signature activity that
brings together teams of families and friends
from local companies, schools, clubs and
organizations to walk around the track in relay
fashion.
All proceeds raised from this event are used for
cancer research, education, prevention and
patient services. The event also provides a
wonderful venue for the promotion and delivery
of cancer control activities, including
advocacy, prevention and early detection
education.
The five-year relative survival probability for
all cancers diagnosed between 1999 and 2006 is
68 percent, up from 50 percent in 1975 to 1977.
This survival rate can be increased through more
research and greater community awareness of
health issues.
Relay For Life combines a way to share vital
cancer education and programs with community
members and a way to raise money to fund more
cancer research.
The success began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt,
a Tacoma, Washington, surgeon and American
Cancer Society volunteer, ran and walked on a
local track for 24 hours, traveling a total of
81 miles and raising $27,000.
Since Dr. Klatt’s one-man marathon, thousands of
people nationwide have passed the “baton” and
raised billions of dollars for Relay For Life’s
battle against cancer.
Now, more than four million people will
participate in one of over 5,000 Relay for Life
events this year.
For the Bonners Ferry Relay for Life event, four
teams have already signed up: Team Awesome!,
Rack Pack, Deselms Support Squad and South
Boundary Fire.
The goal is to have at least 15 teams
participate this year when the first Bonners
Ferry Relay for Life begins at 6 p.m. Friday,
August 22, on the Bonners Ferry High School
track.
To learn more, to register, to volunteer or to
find out more, visit the Bonners Ferry Relay for
Life webpage by
clicking here. |
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