Polk County Pulse Article

2009 RELAY PARTICIPANTS ENJOY A RIDE AROUND JANSSEN PARK



This article is as it appeared in the March 3, 2010 Polk County Pulse



TEAMS FORMING FOR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER

The Polk County Relay For Life is an annual, local fun and fundraising event that is part of the nationwide American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Last year's tornado caused the event to be postponed for over a month. In spite of this, Polk County residents raised many thousands of dollars to help find a cure for cancer, provide services for cancer patients and to build cancer awaremess.

This year's event is set to begin at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 23 at Janssen Park in Mena.

Last year, Relay For Life team members had a great time at Janssen Park in Mena where the Relay was held. Relay For Life teams listened to music, shared stories, walked in teams around the park, enjoyed great food, played fun games and more.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember love ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

The 2010 Polk County Relay For Life team captains will continue to meet Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM at the MRHS Hospital Meeting Room to help raise money to fight cancer.

According to Polk County Chair Regina Lawry, approximately 19 teams with 207 participants have signed up for the polk County relay For Life so far. They include students and staff from area public schools, local businesses, churches, organizations and more. According to Lawry, there is still time to form a team and get involved. Check out the local website - www.relayforlife.org/polk or call Regina at 479-394-6172 for more information