JUNE 28 RELAY FOR LIFE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER

A little over a year ago Vivian Barlow discovered she had a lump in her left breast. The lump was benign, but she has continued an ongoing fight against cancer.

From 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on June 28, the Relay for Life, a team event to fight cancer, will bring the community together to raise funds for cancer research, education, and patient service for those who, like Barlow, battle cancer.

Barlow, 40, said funds raised during the Relay for Life will help with early detection of cancer.

"I have been lucky: I had early detection," said Barlow. "My lump has not grown. I go for mammograms every six months."

She said a key to fighting cancer is annual medical exams.

"Last year I went to my doctor for my annual checkup, and it was suggested that I have a mammogram," said Barlow. "They found two lumps. One was removed. Every six months I go for a mammogram to make sure the remaining tumor does not grow."

Relay for Life will bring teams of participants to the Southeast Missouri State University Recreation Center in Cape Girardeau. Walkers and runners will walk around-the-clock to raise donations supporting activities of the American Cancer Society.

Teams from companies, churches, organizations and schools are collecting donations. Many of the participants will be those who have been cancer victims or have been touched by cancer in some way.

Brian Yarbrough, development specialist for the American Cancer Society, said the daylong event not only will be a fund-raiser but a celebration. "The activity is open to the public, and we encourage children to come," he said. "This will be a 12-hour community celebration."

Yarbrough said the fund-raiser is a family-oriented event. "When participants are not walking they can take part in fun activities and entertainment."

One person from each team will be on the track at all times. Songs, prayers, health screenings, drawings, children's games and activities, and food will continue throughout the event. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson will speak in honor of her late husband, Bill Emerson, and his battle with lung cancer.

The relay will begin with 50 cancer victims leading the first lap of the walk-run.

Yarbrough said that at 7 p.m. there will be a special ceremony remembering those who have lost their lives to cancer and honoring those who have survived. During the ceremony, donated luminary candles will be lit to represent individuals affected by cancer.

Cindie Jeter, luminary chairman, said: "It will be beautiful when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track. We're calling these luminaries 'Lights for Life,' and we hope to sell enough to light the entire area."

Jeter said the luminaries can be purchased from the Cancer Society for a donation.

Barlow, manager of the Sprigg Street Rhodes 101 Store, said she and her company are also participating in the Relay for Life event by selling pennants for a $1 donation. The pennants are displayed in the Rhodes stores this month.