Help the American Cancer Society find a Cure for Cancer through Support of Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society’s journey to finding a cure for cancer started with a single step. In fact, back in 1946, one step involved providing funding for a research grant to a lone researcher named Dr. Sidney Farber who developed chemotherapy. Since then, many people’s lives have been saved by Dr. Farber’s idea. This idea would not have been advanced had it not been for an American Cancer Society’s research grant.

Today, the American Cancer Society continues to take steps in finding a cure for cancer through Relay for Life, a global movement which not only allows us to honor cancer survivors and remember loved ones lost, but also to raise awareness about what we can do to stay well from cancer and raise money to help fuel the world’s largest walk to end cancer through grants to fund cancer research.

In 2012, ninety-seven grants were awarded to researchers from money that was donated to the American Cancer Society through their signature event, Relay for Life. However, there were 93 researchers who did not receive grants, not because they were not worthy, but because the ACS did not have enough money to fund their research. Money collected by the global Relay for Life movement can help young researchers develop cancer treatments that can eventually end cancer. The cancer research is done in multiple universities and hospitals all over the country,however the largest cancer research center is the Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Botetourt County has been hosting a Relay for Life event since 1999, and has become progressively successful in collecting donations toward helping the American Cancer Society achieve its goals in fighting cancer. At the 2012 Relay for Life event, our community collected a record $125,000 in donations. Like last year, Relay for Life will be held at the Buchanan Carnival Grounds. The dates set for this year are Friday, May 17th starting at 6 p.m. through Saturday, May 18th ending at 6 a.m.

Currently, Botetourt County has 24 teams registered, and has collected over $16, 000 toward exceeding last year’s donation goal. Botetourt County has a new Relay for Life Web Site (www.relayforlife.org/botetourtva) which can be used for those who wish to create a new Relay team or to donate money to an existing team. If you have specific questions about the Botetourt County Relay for Life, you can contact Andrea Mundy at the Roanoke American Cancer Society office at 774-2716.

–submitted by Lynne Latino

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is an annual event in Botetourt County. BV file photo.