Relay For Life of Cherokee planning kickoff event

by Jan 30, 2015Front Page0 comments

The survivor's lap starts off at a past Relay for Life in Cherokee.  (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)

Nell Crowe, Julie Wilnoty and Lucille Wolfe lead the survivor’s lap at a past Relay for Life in Cherokee. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)

 

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life kickoff will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 5:30 pm at the Cherokee Central High School library.  The Cherokee event is in an elite group of Relay For Life events as it is only one of two events held on tribal grounds in the United States.  The other newly-formed event is in Oklahoma.

“Relay For Life is a unique opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against the disease,” said Debbie Buchanan, American Cancer Society senior manager for Relay For Life. “The Cherokee event is very special as we wish to collaborate with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to be successful in the fight against cancer.  Many of the participants in Relay For Life events are cancer survivors, which serves as a reminder that the Cherokee community is not immune to this disease and that by participating in Relay, participants are joining with the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

Funds raised at Relay For Life of Cherokee help the American Cancer Society to impact the lives of those touched by cancer through research, education, awareness, and advocacy.  “The American Cancer Society recently made a decision to hire a full time Community Health Advisor on the reservation in order to help with our goal of collaboration and to assist the community by providing cancer outreach, awareness, and education.” said Buchanan.

The 2015 Relay For Life event will take place on Saturday, May 2 in Cherokee.  The event website has been set up, and anyone can join the event or make a secure online donation at www.relayforlife.org/ebcinc.

Info: Jessica Jarvis jessicajarvis55@gmail.com , 554-5030 (work) or (828) 926-6200 (home)

– Relay For Life Committee