AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ANNOUNCES RELAY FOR LIFE

Jackson walkers and runners go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This "celebration of life" brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Teams of enthusiastic citizens from all walks of life will gather at Jackson City Park for a 14-hour relay against cancer from 6 p.m., Aug. 4, until 8 a.m., Aug. 5.

Relay for Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers, to join together to fight cancer. Relay for Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk, run, or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events.

As you make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins. An atmosphere of camaradefie is created by team members entertaining each other: eating, playing games, and, of course, walking or running for a great cause.

Highlighting the evening is the luminaria service held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay for Life is available from the American Cancer Society at (573) 334-9197.

For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society's 24-hour hot line at 1800-ACS-2345 or visit the web site www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.