The Relay For Life Central Ellis County is fast approaching. It will be held on May 15 & 16, 2009 at Lumpkins Stadium in Waxahachie and a search to find all cancer survivors is underway. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. with the celebration of the Survivors’ Lap.

Survivors are an integral part of Relay For Life. They are proof that people survive a cancer diagnosis and they bring hope to others. Anyone that has been diagnosed with cancer is asked to register as a survivor on the internet at www.relayforlife.org or by contacting this year’s Survivor Chairpersons, Karen Mathiowetz at [email protected] or (972) 483-7434 or Margaret Estepp at (972) 937-1016.

This year the committee wants all survivors to be honored guests by enjoying a meal at 6:00 p.m. before the relay begins. Anyone that pre-registers is guaranteed to receive a survivor’s tee shirt also.

“We are honoring all caregivers this year with a special Caregivers Lap. We want them to know how important they are in the fight against cancer. As a cancer survivor, I know how important my husband, Brian, was in my recovery. I want to honor him this year because of what he has done for me,” Mathiowetz said.

A “Faces of Cancer” article is in the works for this year. Any cancer survivor is asked to submit a picture for publication. Pictures of those that have lost their battle with cancer may also be submitted. Submit photos to [email protected] or mail them to P.O. Box 827, Italy TX 76651. Deadline is April 15, 2009.

Relay For Life Central Ellis County is requesting that all cancer survivors and caregivers register and attend this year’s event. After all, survivors are the heart of Relay.

To register a team, contact Nancy Edwards at [email protected] or 214-673-0046. The next team captains’ meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at 200 Lakeview Parkway, Red Oak, Texas.

Everyone is encouraged to become involved by joining a team, raising money and participating in the all night event.