Relay for Life Coming to Port Tampa

Teams are forming now for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Scheduled for May 19-20, this overnight event features a luminaria memorial to those we've lost to cancer and a survivors tribute. The basic concept behind Relay is to raise money and awareness with an overnight walk. Teams of 10-15 people accept donations then walk around a track, or ball field, all night. No running is required, and team members take turns walking so no one has to walk all night long.

This is the first year the fund raiser will be held South of Gandy and the Port Tampa Rec. Center will host. (In years past the closest venue was the University of Tampa.) Many thanks go out to CAPT President Jill Buford for interceding with the city. Apparently Parks and Rec needed some community support to approve an overnight activity. For more info on how to form a team call Heather Winberry at (813) 254-3630 or E-mail heather.winberry@cancer.org You can also check out the team leader's handbook and other general relay info at The American Cancer Society site.

Lest you think all the charitable donations that have gone to cancer over the years have been wasted, think of this- When the American Cancer Society first started 1 in 10 people survived a cancer diagnosis. Today 1 in 2 will find their way to remission or full out cure. As Heather said when we met today, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a grandchild on your knee and have him ask 'What was cancer?' and know you were part of making it something for the history books."