The Relay For Life of Central Ellis County is set for May 20-21, 2011. Last year’s event raised $130,000 for the American Cancer Society and there were 701 participants on teams. This year’s goal is 750 participants and $150,000. At present there are 232 participants and $23,055 raised.

On Friday night, May 20th, teams from all over Ellis County will converge on the Waxahachie Sports Complex on Broadhead Road to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.

“We will celebrate all the cancer survivors that have successfully beat the disease, we will solemnly remember those that have lost their fight, and we will vow to fight back to defeat cancer with everything we have,” said Jennifer Buckhannon, this year’s Event Chair.

The American Cancer Society is leading the fight to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Each birthday represents another victory over cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is celebrating the birthdays of more than 11 million cancer survivors this year.

Survivors are the guests of honor at Relay. This year’s relay will again open with the Survivors Lap where survivors lead the way around the track while being honored and applauded by all participants. Being a part of the this lap allows survivors to celebrate what they’ve overcome while inspiring and motivating their community to fight. Survivors are proof that cancer can be defeated. If you are a survivor, please contact Survivor Chair Donna Daniell (469-337-0438) or [email protected]

Relay For Life is also a great way for people to meet other survivors in their own community. In many communities, survivors form their own teams, join the Relay committee, or volunteer for the American Cancer Society in other ways.

If you would like to form a team or join a team, please contact Team Development Chair, Denise Owens (972) 742-3982 or [email protected]. For more information contact Event Chair, Jennifer Buckhannon (214) 281-0416.