Rally for Relay

This year, the American Cancer Society will host more than 4,200 Relays For Life nationwide. That impressive total may be increased by one if enough interest is generated to hold an event in Bigfork.

The American Cancer Society, a number of area residents have contacted me

about the possibility of starting a Relay For Life in Bigfork.

Most of those who have called me have been involved in Relay in the past and feel the Bigfork area would be the perfect site for a new event.

The typical American Cancer Society Relay For Life is held at a high school athletic field where teams walk in Relay style from 12-24 hours.

Teams participating in the family-friendly event are usually comprised of families, friends, cancer survivors, co-workers, senior citizens, students and social or civic organizations. During the course of the event, each team is asked to have one member walking the track at all times.

Participating teams set up tents for the overnight Relay, which includes an opening ceremony where area cancer survivors are invited to walk the ceremonial first lap. Later in the evening, hundreds, often thousands of luminaria are set out around the track to honor those who have died of cancer and celebrate others still battling the disease. When team members are not walking the track, they can usually be found visiting other campsites, participating in any number of recreational events and games, or taking in the various food venues and entertainment.

Money raised by the teams is used by the American Cancer Society to continue its funding of cancer research, its state and national legislative advocacy, and the Society's many educational and community service programs.

Everyone is invited to attend an informational planning meeting on Thursday, Feb. 3, 5:30 p.m., at Flathead Bank Holding Company, Osborn Landing, Suite 201 in Bigfork, where a discussion will be held regarding the many ways in which they can get involved in the 2005 American Cancer Society Bigfork Relay For Life.

For more information on how to start a Relay For Life in Bigfork, or to learn more about the event, contact me toll-free at 1-877-488-7723, opt. 3, ext. 202.

Cate Sundeen,

Community Relationship Manager