THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 11, 1995 TAG: 9505110663
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
Want to help defeat cancer? Take a walk - or run, if you wish - in the city's first Relay for Life, a fund-raiser by the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
The 12-hour event begins at 9 a.m. June 10, at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.
A kickoff breakfast, involving several cancer survivors, had Kathy Rader, an ACS volunteer, explaining how it works. She speaks from experience. As past president of the Virginia Beach chapter, she worked with a similar event in that city.
A film of the activities showed teams, most sponsored by business organizations. Relay for Life was introduced in Tacoma in 1985.
It is a simple idea: At least one member from each team will be on the track at all times - walking frontward or backward, jogging, pushing a stroller, whatever. Anything goes as it long as it does not present a danger to the participant or anyone else.
Teams of 10 to 15 members, which will develop their own themes, are encouraged to raise, at least, $1,000.
Entertainment will be provided during the event, and there will be a cancer survivor ceremony. Snacks will be available and/or people can bring their own grills.
Prior to the 'round-the-clock event the teams will collect donations to sponsor their participation. The more you collect, the better you feel and, the greater the opportunity for individuals to win some prizes.
A T-shirt goes to everyone collecting $100. After that, it gets better for the individual fund-raisers. Here is what they get for the amount they raise:
$150 - Stereo clock radio.
$200 - Weather resistant stereo cassette player.
$300 - Casio folding databank.
$400 - Euro-phone with speaker.
$500 - Five-inch black and white television.
$600 - Italian espresso machine.
$800 - Two-person tent.
$1,000 - Portable CD player.
$1,500 - Hatteras hammock.
$2,000 - Five-inch portable color television.
$2,500 - 21-speed bike.
$4,000 - Casio TV/stereo boom box.
$5,000 - 20-inch TV/VCR combination.
``With your help,'' said Leon Edwards, chairman of the Suffolk chapter, ``we look forward to a successful fun-type day.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
WHY ENTER?
The importance of events such as the Relay for Life is
illustrated by these figures from the American Cancer Society:
The estimated number of new cancer cases this year, nationwide,
is 1,252,000.
The estimated figure for Virginia is 29,200.
Anyone wishing to participate in the June 10 Relay for Life can
call 853-6638.
by CNB