Century Relay For Life Holds “Toon Out Cancer” Kickoff

January 29, 2008

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“Toon Out Cancer” will be the theme for this year’s Century Relay For Life, relay coordinator Paula Jernigan announced at the annual fund raiser’s kickoff meeting Tuesday night.

Last year’s Century Relay for Life raised about $30,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, Jernigan said she wants to see that number increase to at least $45,000.

“Cancer never sleeps, and neither do we,” said Jessica James from the American Cancer Society’s Pensacola office. The 18-hour relay represents that, she said, by beginning in the dark.

The stadium lights will be cut, with the old Century High School stadium lit only the glow of Luminaria bags, representing cancer survivors and victims alike. “All there is, is that light,” James said, “to lead the way to walk.”

“The the sun comes up the next morning, a symbol of a new day,” she continued. “All through the night they had their friends and family to support them.”

At Tuesday night’s meeting at Carver/Century School, the lights in the cafeteria were cut and about a dozen Luminaria bags were lit as some in attendance reflected on why they walk in Relay for Life.

“I walk for my son who died from cancer,” one person said.

“I relay with the hope that no mother will every have to hear that her child has cancer,” said another.

“I relay because my father died from brain cancer,” one woman tearfully said.

“I relay because by husband died from cancer three years ago. I walk because my mother died from cancer a month ago,” another woman said.

There were two rewards presented at Tuesday night’s meeting. The first, the Kickoff Spirit Award for the most team members present, went to the Century Correctional Institute (pictured below). The second award, for the best toon costume, went to Cindy Wa

Century’s 2008 Relay For Life will take place from 6:00 pm April 25 until noon April 26 at the old Century High stadium. Teams are currently being formed, call 475-0850 for more information.

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