Relay For Life attacks cancer foe

Every victory in life is a blessing, but the victory of life over cancer is a festive celebration for the survivors of this deadly foe. The Victory Lap of the Taylor County Relay For Life is shown above. These survivors are proud to share their victory stories.

GRAFTON – A huge number of Taylor County residents came out last Saturday to support Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. “The numbers were amazing,” commented event organizer Renee Taylor.

Taylor reported that nearly 400 individuals had preregistered for Saturday’s event, and “that number does not take into account those that registered at the relay itself,” explained Taylor.

Taylor noted that the 15 teams raised enough money to meet the $30,000 goal set for Taylor County this year. In addition to the money that was raised by the teams, an additional $10,000 was turned in during Saturday’s Relay For Life.

A portion of all money raised by the Relay For Life is dedicated for cancer research, while the remainder of it is spent on patient care services. Taylor described one care service as the “Road to Recovery” in which transportation is provided to cancer patients, who need help getting to treatments.

In addition to understanding the trauma that cancer victims suffer due to this disease, Relay For Life, and the American Cancer Society understands that how a patient feels about himself, or herself, affects their mental wellness.

In an effort to help in this area, a portion of the proceeds raised last weekend will be dedicated to the “Look Good/Feel Good” program. This program teaches cancer patients how to deal with hair loss, provides wigs, and how to adjust makeup applications to match complexion changes caused by treatments.

Finally, some funds raised by the Relay For Life will go to “Hope Lodge,” which is lodging designed and designated for families of cancer patients who are undergoing treatment.

Although the relay for 2012 is over, Taylor wants to remind everyone fundraising efforts will continue.

She noted that the Peanuts Team from Relay For Life will be sponsoring a charter bus trip to New York City on July 13 and 14. Participants must be 18, or older, to travel without a guardian. Buses will depart on Friday, July 13, at 11 p.m. from Grafton, arriving in New York at 8 a.m.

Participants will gather together and leave New York City on Saturday at 11 p.m. to return. While in the city, participants are free to travel and sight see on their own.

The cost will be $100 per person. Those interested in going, or those who have questions, can call Cheryl Lambert at 304-265-4868.

On August 11, the 11th Annual Ride For Life Dice Run, which is organized by a group of employees from Pratt & Whitney Engine Service in Bridgeport, will take place to raise funds for the Relay For Life.

The Ride For Life Dice Run raised $10,500 last year.

Those interested in donating, or participating in the ride are asked to call Chrissy Musta at 304-677-1472.