Ellis County walkers will go around the clock to fight cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Central Ellis County. This celebration of life brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together in an effort to fight back.

Teams will gather at the Waxahachie Sports Complex on Broadhead Road overnight to join the fight against cancer from 7:00 p.m. on May 20, 2011 until 7:00 a.m. on May 21, 2011.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people every year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against a disease that takes so much.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) and caregivers walk or use a wheelchair to complete the first lap. This is an emotional time that sets the stage of the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere develops around the track. As walkers make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other: eating, playing games and, of course, walking for a great cause.

Highlighting the evening is the luminaria ceremony that takes place at 10:00 p.m. to honor cancer survivors and to remember those that lost their battle with cancer. Luminaria line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the importance of their efforts.

“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” said Jennifer Buckhannon, event chair. “Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment. The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.”

Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors, the money raised by participants comes back to our community by directly benefiting all of the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.

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 on Relay, contact Event Chair, Jennifer Buckhannon (214) 458-1911. For more information about cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour help-line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.