There are not many people in our world today who have not been affected by cancer. In fact, one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity –– offering everyone the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. No matter who you are, there's a place for you at Relay for Life.

The 11th annual Nodaway County Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, and run until 7 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14.

Judy Frueh, a member of the Nodaway County Relay for Life steering committee, said she has been personally active with Relay since its inception in Nodaway County.

"My family and I have had a team every year," she said. "This is very near and dear to our hearts."
Frueh said she and her family didn't have anyone with cancer when they started with Relay –– they just thought it would be fun to do and, as a nurse, Frueh has always had an interest in cancer and its effect on patients and their families.

"Since we started with Relay, we have been really affected by cancer," Frueh said. "I had six friends die of cancer in less than four years –– all under the age of 48. My dear friend died in 2004  –– I miss her terribly and I fight because of her. I don't think I will ever give up my fight to find a cure after losing her to Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 37."

Frueh said her sister-in-law was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor on Christmas Day in 2006.

"I believe my sister-in-law is still with us today because of our efforts in the past to fund research to help with her treatment plan," she said.

This year, the Nodaway County Relay for Life committee's goal is to raise $75,000. The money raised by Relay for LIfe is used to fund research, advocacy, education and service –– much of the money raised in Nodaway County stays in Nodaway County.

The theme for Relay for Life 2008 is "celebrate, remember and fight back." We celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease and fight back ––because they have been touched by cancer and want to put an end to the disease.

At last count, nearly 30 teams are organized and ready to participate in the upcoming local event.
A number of activities will take place throughout the event.

Entertainment for the event includes Highway A Band, Travis Dimmett, as well as performances from the Maryville dance. This year's survivor speaker is Kathy Howell.

In the "ugly queen" contest a male member of each team will circulate around the crowd asking for money. The man collecting the most money will be named "Ugly Queen 2008." In last year's event, the "ugly queen" contest alone brought in around $1,000.

Relay Idol will begin at approximately 10 p.m. Each team is allowed to perform one song –– either an individual or the entire team will perform. Points will be earned for costumes, dancing and more. Members of live bands performing throughout the event will be judging the Relay Idol competition.

Cancer survivors (one year, five years, one day –– it doesn't matter) are invited to walk in the Cancer Survivor Lap at 6 p.m., Saturday. Survivors are asked to be at the Survivor Registration area by 5:30 p.m. All survivors will receive a Relay for Life T-shirt as well as special recognition throughout the event.

Nodaway County Relay for Life invites everyone to help "light the way to a cure" by purchasing a luminaria to honor a loved one who lost their battle with cancer. The luminarias are being sold now and will be lit at a special ceremony at 8 p.m., Sept. 13, during the Relay for Life event.

For more information on the luminaria ceremony, contact Suzi Anderson at (660) 582-9770, an American Cancer Society staff partner Robin Smith at (816) 583-7443 or visit the web site at www.cancer.org.

A silent auction will take place during the event. Some of the items up for bid are: Royal's tickets, four Chief's tickets with a parking pass (10-yard line, under cover),a girl's jean jacket with embroidery and hand knitted collar and cuffs, an assortment of hand-made greeting cards, a hand-made scarf, a decorative Christmas chair, a teacher's basket, a fleece blanket, a picnic cooler/hamper with accessories, a Pampered Chef basket, a quilt, doll benches, a model classic car, an angel picture, an American theme basket, a weather vane, a Hallmark basket, a relaxation basket, razors and Hawaiian tropical products and flashlights and batteries.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Money donated to the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society goes to help research, education, advocacy and service.

• Research –– The American Cancer Society is the largest source of non-profit, non-governmental cancer research funding in the United States.

• Education –– Educating our society about cancer prevention and early detection are some of the ways the American Cancer Society uses donations to Relay for Life.

• Advocacy –– The American Cancer Society knows cancer is not just a medical issue, it is a political issue as well.

Relay for Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people across the nation to continue the fight against cancer. To participate, form a team or dedicate a luminaria call local representatives: Judy Frueh at (660) 562-9361 or Steve Sherry at (660) 562-3019.

Information can also be obtained by calling toll free (800) ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org.