ACS 'RELAY FOR LIFE' NEXT WEEKEND

Organizers encourage cancer survivors to come out for Cameron County's 10th annual Relay for Life, set for Friday and Saturday, June 20-21.

The 24-hour American Cancer Society event gets underway at noon at the high school athletic facility.

Annual luminary and survivor ceremonies may be combined, giving Relay for Life participants, cancer survivors and others the chance to share experiences. The luminaries are candlelit memorials -- inscribed with cancer victims' names -- that circle the track and light the night sky.

The event raises money for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.

Among teams signed up this year are WWJD Trackers, Rainbows End, Lil' Spirit Walkers, Spirit Walkers and Josh N Around. Northwest Savings Bank and Woodland Walkers are providing financial support. Teams will compete in fund-raising and cake-baking.

Christie Badger, American Cancer Society income development director, said she hopes to raise $46,000 this year; last year's take was about $42,000. More than $500,000 has been raised over the nine years.

Participation has waned in recent years, but the organizers expect that trend to eventually be reversed.

"Some people say they will take a year off," said WWJD Trackers member Bibi Park. "But, remember, cancer never takes a year off."

Additional information is available from Susan Babik at 1-800-458-3856, extension 3507.