Relay for Life brings hope for cancer victims

Sunday, June 29, 2003

People are never enthused to hear that there is a black mass of mutated cells eating away at the inside of their bodies. It's not a pleasant thought. Programs like the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life hope to see a day when people's hearing a diagnosis cancer is an archaic memory -- by raising money for cancer research. Lutie Schooley, one of the organizers of this years Relay for Life, said nearly everyone in this community has been effected by cancer in some way, either knowing a survivor or someone who has passed away because of it. "We want to make people aware of what's going on," said Schooley. The Nevada Relay for Life will start at 6 p.m. on July 25 and last until about 6 a.m. Saturday morning. Each team will try to have one team member walking at all times, and cancer survivors will lead the first lap. According to the participant pamphlet, the timing of the event is crucial to the symbolism portrayed. The setting sun represents the diagnosis of cancer and the fading light signifies the patient's mood as they worry about death. This increasing darkness and cold will evolve throughout the night. At about one or two o'clock, all the participants in the Relay for Life will be tired, cold and miserable. This signifies when the patient begins to get treatment and they feel sick, exhausted and want to give up. At about four or five o'clock, walkers are still wretched, but they can see the light on the horizon, just like the cancer patient can, when they near the end of treatment. When the sun rises, the journey is over and both the walker and the cancer patient face a new day. Phil Couch, co-chair of the Nevada Relay for Life committee, said that last year was the eighth year for the program, which raised more than $45,000 in donations with 20 teams participating. Right now. this year's event boasts 45 corporate sponsors. " It's just really taken off," said Couch. Couch said he feels it is a little premature to estimate how much they will make this year, but noted they already have 22-24 teams and there is still time to sign up. Also available are luminaria bags. These bags, containing a light source, are emblazoned with the name of a cancer survivor or victim. When all the luminaria are in place they will stretch all the way around the square and up the courthouse steps. "They are a pretty impressive scene," said Couch. Besides the Relay for Life and the Luminaria Celebration there will also be a variety of local entertainers performing for participants and spectators. "Everybody bring a lawnchair and sit and enjoy the evening," said Couch.

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