Relay for Life celebrates birthdays

SIKESTON -- Birthdays are a cause for celebration.

And for those living with cancer, it's typically a bigger celebration.

"People may have noticed on TV that the American Cancer Society is really pushing the birthday theme, as the official sponsor of birthdays," said Sarah Ezell, community manager of development for the American Cancer Society office in Sikeston. "Another birthday is another victory for cancer patients and survivors."

This year, birthdays will be the theme of the Relay for Life celebrations in Scott, New Madrid and Mississippi counties, for which Ezell is the ACS staff partner in charge. Local Relay for Life events are set to start in Scott County at 6 p.m. May 21 at the north field of the YMCA; New Madrid at 6 p.m. June 11 at New Madrid County Central; and Mississippi County at 6 p.m. June 4 at East Prairie High School. Cape Girardeau's Relay for Live event will be at 3 p.m. April 24.

Scott and New Madrid counties have already held their kickoff events for the events, with Mississippi County's set for Jan. 28.

In addition to the overall birthday theme, Scott County's event will be a bit more special, as it coincides with Sikeston's sesquicentennial and will be the 15th Relay for Life in Scott County, noted Ezell.

For those who want to help raise money for the ACS but don't know where to begin, officials pointed out there are materials at the office to give ideas. For those who don't want to be part of a team but still want to get involved, they can support the fundraisers, make donations, or fill one of the open committee positions. Businesses can also be corporate sponsors, said Ezell.

This year, Ezell said she is focused on meeting the goals set for each county. Scott County will aim to raise $60,000; Mississippi County's goal is $82,000; and New Madrid's number to meet is $94,000.

Most of the money raised through Relay for Life is earmarked for cancer research. "It goes to St. Louis University and Washington University," said Ezell. A portion also stays locally and used for services such as providing wigs, prosthesis and more for cancer victims.

In addition to meeting Scott County's goal, chairwoman Brandy Mason said she really wants to focus on informing people about cancer and the goals of the Relay

"I want to educate people on what the Relay is and how it makes a difference," she said. "I don't ever want my children or their children to hear those words: 'you have cancer.'"

Mason admitted she's never been heavily involved in Relay for Life -- she agreed to chair this year's event when asked. But she's already seen how personal it can be, as her mother just received her first chemotherapy treatment.

Ezell and Mason also noted that, historically, there hasn't been a lot of involvement in the Scott County Relay outside of Sikeston and Miner. This year, they hope to change that. Organizers have sent letters and invites to churches and other groups.

Mississippi County will focus on advertising more heavily this year; there will be a lot more signs up in Charleston, East Prairie and other towns. "There should be information out everywhere," said Ezell.

For more information about any of the upcoming Relays, or to get involved, contact Ezell at 471-1873 or e-mail her at sarah.ezell@cancer.org<I>.