The Eighth Annual Boyd/Greenup County Relay For Life, which has been called the signature event for the American Cancer Society, will begin May 19.

Thursday, May 04, 2000

The Eighth Annual Boyd/Greenup County Relay For Life, which has been called the signature event for the American Cancer Society, will begin May 19.

About 30 teams, representing local businesses, churches, schools and other groups, are expected to participate, said Julie Marsh, relay public relations chairwoman.

"Each team consists of 10 to 15 members," Ms. Marsh explained. "At least one member of each team will walk, skate or jog around the track in relay fashion throughout the 12-hour event, and each team is asked to raise $100 to benefit the American Cancer Society."

This year’s goal for the American Cancer Society is to raise at least $60,000 during the event, which takes place nationwide in cities across the country.

And, for those who are not actively participating in the relay, there will be music, games, displays, food and other activities, Mrs. Marsh said.

Additionally, slots are open in what will be the first of many Kids’ Walk events, a shortened version of the fundraiser in which children create teams and walk for the cause, said Lea Ann Reeves Gollihue, children’s walk coordinator.

"This is a great opportunity for the kids to get involved and to promote cancer awareness in children," Mrs. Gollihue said. "We wanted to add this part of the event so that the area kids could really participate."

The concept of Relay For Life was adopted from the 24-hour relay created in 1985 by Gordan Klatt, M.D., an American Cancer Society volunteer. That year, Klatt, a Washington colorectal surgeon, ran and walked for 24 hours around a track, traveling about 81 miles and raising $27,000 for the cancer society.

"This is an exciting and heartwarming community event designed to honor those battling cancer, to remember those who have lost the fight, to raise awareness about the disease and to raise funds for the American Cancer Society," Mrs. Marsh said.

"Teams set up campsites, bring food and games. While the relay is going on, live performances and music take place on the main stage and community members visit the camps and exhibits and participate in the lighting of the commemorative luminaries."

The event begins May 19 with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. at Ashland Central Park near the bandstand. A luminary ceremony follows at 9:30 p.m.

Closing ceremonies are scheduled for 7 a.m. May 20, at which point the 35 teams that hopefully will be enrolled, will have met the $60,000 goal.

For more information on how to participate, contact Relay For Life chairwoman Sherrie Halstead at 1-606-327-4536; co-chairwoman Lea Ann Reeves Gollihue at 1-606-834-8004; or the American Cancer Society’s local chapter at 1-606-325-8251.