Shelli Cody of the Relay for Life committee announced that the theme for the 2011 relay will be sports.
Cody also announced the goal for the 2011 event is $300,000. Christy Griffith of the Relay for Life committee said goals are easy to meet when there is such passion for the cause as there is for the Relay for Life. The relay will take place May 6-7 in downtown Cleveland.
“Relay equals research and research equals life,” Rick Denning, director for Cleveland City Schools, said at the event. “Since 1946, $3.1 billion have been invested in cancer research.”
Cody, who was recently named a 2010-11 Mid-South Hero of Hope, shared her story of finding peace during her fight with breast cancer.
“Eight years ago today my cancer journey began ... on Oct. 28, 2002,” Cody said.
She also highlighted many of the things that the American Cancer Society does.
Last year, the Mid-South region raised more than $40 million for cancer research. Funds raised during the Relay For Life are also used to fund the Hope Lodge, transportation for patients and the “Look Good, Feel Better” program. The program helps women feel good about themselves by teaching them how to wrap head scarves and put on makeup.
The American Cancer Society also provides an 800 number that those battling cancer can call 1-800-227-2345 anytime they need someone to talk to.
Also during the event, Angela Mathis, event coordinator for the Relay for Life of Bradley County, presented awards to last year’s teams that had raised more than $1,000.
Teams for the 2011 relay can register online at www.relayforlife.org/bradleytn for $100. Team captain meetings will begin on Nov. 16 in the Cleveland Utilities training building and will continue to be on the third Tuesday of every month except for December.
