Relay for Life kicks off Friday

Texas A&M University-Commerce walkers go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the Fourth Annual American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. This "celebration of life" brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Teams of enthusiastic A&M-Commerce students and Commerce citizens will gather at A&M-Commerce's Memorial Stadium for an overnight relay against cancer from 7 p.m. on Friday, April 13 until 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 14.

"Relay For Life raises awareness about the progress against cancer as well as being a fund raiser," Sarah Muehlenbein, event chair and A&M-Commerce student, said. "Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment."

Relay For Life is a fundraising event that enables participants from all walks of life, including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches, and community volunteers, to join together to fight cancer.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk or wheelchair the first lap, setting the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. This year the Relay For Life has a 1950's theme.

Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminarias line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. Other event highlights include performances by band Dr. Doctor and Stavely.

Corporate sponsors include among others A&M-Commerce, Wal-Mart, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, MakinMedia, Ben E. Keith, Red Hat Society, Cypress Bank, Hydro Aluminum, and Bartman Audio. The money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society's life-saving programs.

The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend even if not part of a team.

Information about how to form a team, become a sponsor, make a donation or get involved in the Relay For Life event at A&M-Commerce, visit www.tamucrfl.com or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit www.cancer.org.