Wilkes Co. Relay for Life holds 2008 kickoff party with theme Kicking Cancer with Comedy'

At the 2008 Relay kick-off party Tuesday night, Danielle Caldwell, ACS partner came dressed as Olive Oyl, Tena Blakey as Minnie Pearl, Buzzy Randall as Snuffy Smith, and Zella Bennett as the Flying Nun.

The 2008 Relay for Life - Washington Wilkes held a rousing kick off party at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator Parish Hall last Tuesday. With a theme of "Kicking Cancer with Comedy," all attendees were invited to come in costume. To carry out this year's theme, each team will choose a comedy format. A gift certificatewas awarded to the person wearing the funniest costume.

Sponsored by the 2008 Relay for Life Planning Committee, kick-off included highlights of the 2007 Relay and plans for the 2008 event, and offered the opportunity to sign up teams. Mary Elizabeth Burdette presented a poignant account of her mother's journey with cancer followed two years later with her father's cancer diagnosis and the impact it has had on their family.

An outstanding service award was presented to Amy Treadwell, event chairman for the past three years and this year's co-chairman. Carol Jackson, Rachel Moreland, and Zella Bennett, all of whom have served in leadership roles for the past three years, also received awards. Danielle Caldwell, American Cancer Society partner, states that "Dedication such is that of these four women has been key to the growth of the Relay event in Washington-Wilkes."

"Relay for Life is a unique opportunity for our community to come together in the fight against cancer and to 'Remember, Celebrate and Fight Back' against cancer," said Cathy Lannae, a 9-year ovarian cancer survivor and this year's event chair states, "Once you have a cancer diagnosis and you begin to live with the disease, you feel like you have been marked in some strange way and are cut out of a normal existence. The celebration and recognition during Relay for Life events and especially at the survivor's lap and luminaria ceremony surely help boost each of us up in a very special way."

The 2008 event is scheduled for May 2-3 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Washington-Wilkes Parks and Recreation track. "Teams are forming, corporate sponsors are being contacted, cancer patients/survivors and their caregivers are being sought," says Amy Treadwell, 2008 Event co-chair. This year's event will extend recognition to caregivers. "The emotional impact of being a caregiver is beyond description. These are the people who help the cancer patients survive. We want to say 'thank you' to them for their amazing support."

For more information, contact Cathy Lannae, 706-678-2862, Amy Treadwell, 706-318-7680 or Danielle Caldwell, Relay for Life staff partner at 706-731-9900.

Now is the time to get involved. Come help us "Kick Cancer with Comedy."

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