By LISA WARREN
Staff Writer
Almost everyone in the community has been touched by cancer in one way or another.
Perhaps you have a neighbor, a relative or a friend who has battled cancer - or maybe you are a cancer survivor yourself.

Whatever the case, you're being invited to come attend the festivities at the 14th annual Greene County Relay for Life, scheduled Friday evening at the Greeneville Middle School Track.
Relay for Life events nationwide is a signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS), according the Relay Web site, www.relayforlife.org.

The event is designed to bring together persons in the community who have been touched by cancer - to celebrate the survivors, to remember those who lost their battle with cancer, and to fight back against this disease. Funds raised by the Relay for Life events benefit research efforts and patient programs supported by the American Cancer Society.

During Relay for Life events, teams of people gather to take turns walking or running laps and to enjoy the various fun activities that take place.

"The events are held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps," the site says.
Opening ceremonies for the Greene County Relay for Life will be held beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday. Brief comments by the Greeneville and Greene County mayors are scheduled.

At 7 p.m., all area cancer survivors are invited to take part in the first lap of the Relay. The second lap of the Relay will be completed by persons who are - or who have been - caregivers to a cancer patient.
"Survivors who would like to come walk in our Survivors' Lap are encouraged to come early at 6 p.m. to register," said Elise Allen, a community relations representative for the area chapter of the American Cancer Society.

"If  you are one of those survivors who says walking the lap wouldn't mean much to you, I still encourage you to come in order to be an inspiration for those who have just been diagnosed with cancer," Allen said.

"When (newly diagnosed cancer patients) look around and see how many people really survive cancer, they know the fight is worth it," she said.

"A doctor can tell you that your chances are good, but to see hundreds of people who have survived cancer walking with you - it's real," Allen added.

At 10 p.m., the "Ceremony of Hope," a luminaria-lighting event, will be held to further honor survivors and to remember those who lost their battle with cancer.

"If someone would like to buy a lumanaria for the lighting service, they can be purchased for $5 and designated either 'In Honor' or 'In Memory' of someone who has battled cancer," Allen said.

Prior to the day of the Relay, luminaria bags will be available for purchase at Heritage Bank locations. Persons may also purchase luminaria the day of the Relay prior to the start of event at the track.

"We have had so many people tell about what seeing those bags lit up with their family member's name meant to them," Allen said. " They are not forgotten, and they are still part of the fight against cancer."

Several musical entertainers and other special activities are also scheduled during the Relay's evening. The lineup includes:

• Sandy Ray, 7:30 p.m.;

• Lost Mountain String Band, 8 p.m.;

• "Dude Looks Like A Lady" contest, 9 p.m.;

• Fabulous Fifties, 9:30 p.m.; and

• Stillwater Church, 10 p.m.

Persons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the stage area to enjoy the entertainment.
Allen said the fund-raising teams involved in the local Relay are currently in their final push to make
their 2008 goal of $140,000.

"We need the community's help more than ever," she said. "More cancer patients are calling the chapter for help, whether it's for information or for gas cards to get to their treatments."

Darlene Hurley, who is serving as this year's publicity chairman for the local Relay, said that despite the weakened economy, the fund-raising efforts by the Relay teams have been going strong.

"All of our teams are working hard in their fundraising activities because cancer does not stop just because the economy is slow," Hurley said.

To date, there are nearly 200 individuals on 20 teams who have signed up to participate in this year's event, which will continue through the night.

Visit the Greene County Relay for Life's Web site at events.cancer.org/rflgreenetn or call the area American Cancer Society chapter at 975-0635 for more details about the upcoming community event.

For more information and stories, see today's edition of The Greeneville Sun.