The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Relay looking for teams
Local residents asked to participate in Relay for Life Sept. 13
By Chris Wright, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: August 14, 2008
The American Cancer Society is gearing up for its annual Relay for Life events nationwide, and locally the event is scheduled for Sept. 13 at Wilson Park in Milan.
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The Milan-Saline relay coordinators are still looking for teams to participate in the 24-hour event that aims to raise funds for and awareness of cancer research and programs for patients. At Wilson Park, teams of family, friends and coworkers will camp out and take turns walking the path.
Shelly Coburn of Milan, chairwoman of the Milan-Saline group, said this week that it's not too late to get involved, but participants will have register very soon to get their T-shirts printed.
"We'll put teams together right up until the day of the event," said Coburn, who has participated in the event for nine years. As of Monday, 56 people had registered for the event and organizers hope many more people from the Saline and Milan areas sign on soon.
"I know there are survivors out there that we've not tapped into before," Coburn said.
A special emphasis is placed on those who have survived cancer and their families. Survivors will kick off the event at 9 a.m. with the Victory Lap, where they are invited to take a lap around the path in honor of their triumph over cancer. Assistance devices such as golf carts will be available for those who can't walk it, Coburn said.
"The Victory Lap is one of the most moving experiences of my life," said Audrey Barkel of Saline, a two-time cancer survivor and an event organizer.
"It's really about celebrating life, so we want to focus on survivors," Coburn added.
For Coburn, the event is important because a number of people in her family have had the disease.
"It has been a part of my life since I was 15," she said.
The event at Wilson Park is meant to attract support from both the Saline and Milan areas. Each team is expected to have at least one member walk the path at all times, a reminder that cancer never sleeps. Teams typically are comprised of 10 to 15 people.
This year's theme is "Cancer is not a game" and, accordingly, many participants are decorating their campsites using board game themes. Event planners give awards for the most-spirited campsites, but people need not be so creative to participate, Coburn said.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Funds raised through the event have led to advanced cancer testing techniques and mammography technology among many other treatment and research breakthroughs, according to the organization.
The Milan-Saline group is really looking for more participation from the community, hoping to promote awareness about cancer and related programs and research.
"We're working hard to get participation from both cities because the money goes to the hospitals that we all use," Coburn said.
"If we can help these people out and raise money, it's really the best thing we can do with Relay for Life," she said.
A $150 registration fee reserves a team's spot in this year's event. While it's getting a bit late, teams could still conduct fundraisers like garage sales and such, or just solicit donations, Coburn said.
Those wishing to form a team or support the event in any way are encouraged to contact Coburn by e-mail at thecoburns@comcast.net or by telephone at 1-734-216-7582.
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