LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: RELAY FOR LIFE RAISED $40,000

To the editor:

On Aug. 18-19, the American Cancer Society hosted Cape Girardeau's fourth annual Relay for Life. The overnight event was held in Capaha Park. There were 27 participating teams, and over 400 people took part in the luminary service. The ceremony was a beautiful way to recognize those who have battled cancer.

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, we would like to thank the community for its generous support. We have raised a net total of over $40,000. This is triple the amount raised just one year ago. There are many people and organizations who deserve our sincere appreciation, including the Parks and Recreation Department, the police and fire departments, the Naval Reserve, St. Francis Medical Center and Southeast Missouri State University rec center. We also would like to thank our corporate sponsors: Orthopedic Associates, Dr. Thomas Sparkman, Midwest AgChmico and K103. We are also very thankful for the media coverage we received from K103, the Southeast Missourian and KFVS. The obvious dedication of these local media helped to raise community awareness of this worthwhile event.

The money raised at Cape Girardeau's Relay for Life will aid in cancer research, education and patient services along with many other needs. We would again like to thank all of those people in the community who donated time, money and services. An event such as this could not happen without your support.

STEPHANIE SHREVE

NIKKI SHAFFER

2000 Relay for Life Co-chairs

American Cancer Society

Cape Girardeau