LETTERS: LUMINARIES FOR CANCER

To the editor:

I wanted to take a moment to tell your readers about a special event that is coming up in Cape Girardeau County. It is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life that will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 28 in the Student Recreation Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. The Relay for Life is a 12-hour family event where we can join together to celebrate the community's fight against cancer.

The relay will end with a very special program, the luminary ceremony. Luminary bags are currently being sold for this ceremony. For a donation of $10, people have purchased luminary bags in honor of cancer survivors and in the memory of cancer victims. The name of the loved one is written on the luminary bag, and the bags will circle the track throughout the 12 hours. Then, beginning at 7:30 p.m., a candle will be lit in each bag during the special service as each name is announced.

I cannot think of a better way to remember and honor cancer victims and survivors that to fight the disease. By purchasing a luminary, you are doing just that. The money that you donate will go toward cancer research, prevention, treatment and patient services. By using this means of fighting cancer, the luminary bags become actual lights of life.

With your help, we can light the entire track. If you would like to purchase a luminary, please contact your local American Cancer Society office at 334-9197. Please make plans to join us on June 28 as we celebrate the strides we have made in the fight against cancer.

CINDIE JETER, Luminary Chairperson

Relay for Life

American Cancer Society

Cape Girardeau