Volunteers needed for Relay for Life

To the editor:

The American Cancer Society has been an active member of Cape Girardeau County for many years, offering a number of patient and family services, cancer support groups, tobacco-control programs and lifesaving research. The society continues its mission thanks to the help of generous volunteers and dedicated staff.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a community event in every sense of the word. It is a chance for the community to come together for one common cause. But we are faced with a critical shortage of volunteer leaders. With the challenges of our day-to-day demands, time has become a premium, and many people are finding it more difficult to participate in community service. It is because of the volunteers who preceded us, however, that certain types of cancer are now highly treatable or even curable. With more help, we will continue to win the fight.

The American Cancer Society needs your help now. Plans are underway for this year's Relay for Life at Cape County Park North April 28 to 29. Now is the time for individuals, families, organizations, schools, religious groups, corporations and small businesses to build a team and join our fight to reduce the burden of cancer across America.

To sign up to participate or learn how you can volunteer in other ways, call our American Cancer Society office at (573) 334-9197.

RYAN McCLARD, Cape Girardeau County Chair, American Cancer Society Relay for Life