Cancer society seeks teams for 2011 Relays for Life in NE Ohio

Staff report

CANFIELD

The American Cancer Society is in search of teams for the 50 Relay For Life events planned during April and July in the Northeast Ohio Region, which includes Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Ten to 15 people comprise a team, which can be formed from local companies, schools, clubs, families and friends. Team members raises money before the relay and turn in their donations at the event.

Relays For Life are not competitive events. Rather, they are fun events that everyone of all ages and backgrounds can attend. The primary focus is for people from all walks of life to gather because they want to make a difference in the fight against cancer, said Alfred Stabilito, public relations director for the Northeast Ohio/East Central Division of the cancer society.

Throughout the 18- to 24-hour relay. a number of traditional events take place, including a survivor lap at the beginning and a luminary service at dusk. Activities, games, contests, music, food and other events for people of all ages are also planned by volunteer committees.

Teams of people camp out at a local high school track, park, fairground or other area and take turns walking or running at a designated time. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. The reason for this is because cancer never sleeps, Stabilito said.

To learn more about Relay For Life, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org