Relay For Life Brings American Cancer Society Programs to Ellis County Residents

It brings men, women and children together for an overnight gathering of celebration and remembrance. It raises funds for the fight against cancer; a disease that will affect one in two American men and one in three American woman in their lifetime. It celebrates life, remembers those lost and empowers others to fight back. What is it?: It’s the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, and it’s happening soon in Waxahachie. The Relay For Life of Central Ellis County will be held May 15th, at the Waxahachie High School Football Stadium.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is one important way to make a difference in the fight against cancer. This year, nearly three million Relay participants in 4,200 local communities across the country will raise millions of dollars to fuel the American Cancer Society’s mission of eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy and patient services. So what happens when you support American Cancer Society Relay For Life? Here are a few examples:

• Finding a cure – To date, the American Cancer Society has spent approximately $3 billion on research. That research has led to advances such as the bone marrow transplant, the use of drugs such as Tamoxifen and Gleevec on certain cancers and the Pap smear crusade that educated women on the importance of the early detection of cervical cancer that have positively impacted and even saved the lives of many people with cancer.
• Spreading the word – Volunteers educate their neighbors about cancer prevention and early detection, two things that save lives.
• Calling for change – Society volunteer advocates work tirelessly with elected officials to make cancer issues a top priority. Their work has helped expand insurance coverage for cancer screening and put more money into cancer research to find a cure.
• Lending support – For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, knowing the facts and having the resources to get through treatment and recovery are essential. The American Cancer Society is available to help anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Relay For Life of Central Ellis County is a night filled with fun, community and emotion. “We have a DJ all night and fun events planned for all ages” said Denise Owens, event chair. “It is a great event and the citizens of Ellis County have been very supportive over the years. This will be out 13th Annual Relay For Life of Central Ellis County, the last two years Ellis County has won the Per Capita Award out of a five state area”

To register a team, join a team, purchase a luminaria or participate as a cancer survivor, call 972-742-3982 or visit the event Website.