Thousands join Relay for Life to fight cancer

By The Columbian

Sunday, July 22, 2012

More than 2,000 people participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Vancouver at Columbia River High School over the weekend, raising more than $225,000.

The 24-hour event celebrated its 24th year in Vancouver.

"Relay for Life is all about our community uniting with the American Cancer Society and supporting its efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays," said Kristina Ewing, co-chair of the Vancouver event. "The volunteers and participants who willingly gave their time and energy to this exciting event are making a commitment to let the people of Clark County know that cancer can be defeated."

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. The Vancouver goal was to raise $265,000.

The nearly 120 teams at Columbia River included children who have survived cancer as well as adults of all ages.

Last year, the cancer society said, more than 3 million people participated in more than 5,000 Relay for Life events across the United States and in 19 foreign countries.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Locally, its resources for cancer patients and caregivers include:

• Road to Recovery: rides to treatment.

• Look Good, Feel Better: help with appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

• Reach to Recovery: breast cancer support.

For more information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 800-227-2345 or visit http://cancer.org.