St. Louis Relay for Life Team in the Fight Against Cancer

Everyone knows about the American Cancer Society and its stellar endeavors in promoting cancer research, education and support and treatment. The ACS. as any organization, whether it be a large corporation, small business or non-profit agency, is successful only because of the sum of its parts. While large donations from deep pocket corporations are always welcome, the ACS also relies on programs at the local level - the neighborhood community. One of its chief assets is its signature fundraising event called Relay for Life.

I must confess to my ignorance regarding Relay for Life. I was unaware that such a program even existed and that Relay for Life Teams dot not only the national landscape, but reach out far across the globe. I decided that it was time for me to do my homework and talk with a local Relay for Life Team member.

Jessica Daniels , 25 years young, is a four year veteran with Relay for Life. This will be her first year as a Team Captain. She has lived with a personal experience of the dreaded cancer disease as her step-father was diagnosed with a rare form of Carcinoid cancer. Jessica is one of ten members of Team St. Louis Pride for the Southwest St. Louis County Relay for Life. Their Relay for Life event takes place on June 24th - 25th starting at 6:00pm and finishing at 6:00am. The Relay will be held at Hixson Middle School at Elm St. and Hwy 44 in Webster Groves, Missouri.

I was curious to learn more about the Relay for Life overnight event and Jessica eagerly explained with unbridled enthusiasm. The night holds a deep and profound symbolism to the cancer patient's battle with cancer. As the sun sets, the victim is diagnosed and darkness enters his/her life. The night continues and darkness endures sapping the individual of strength and crushing the will to go on. At 3:00 A.M., the middle of the night, it is important for all to join as one to support each other in making it through the night. The dawn of the new day marks a transition to remission - making it through the "night."

Jessica has set two goals. First, to raise awareness of the symptoms of Carcinoid Cancer and fund research for a cure. Secondly, to meet her teams goal of $7500. Team St. Louis Pride of Southwest St. Louis County has already raised $2575 and is optimistic that not only will they surpass their goal, but a cure will one day be found.

Team St. Louis Pride has also scheduled a few events to help meet the goal: April 1
20% of your bill at Chevy's Fresh Mex Restaurant, 2911 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., St. Charles, Missouri will be donated to Relay for Life. (Flyer necessary for the donation); April 8 a Relay for Life Trivia Night at Crestwood Community Center, 9245 Whitecliff Ln., Crestwood, Missouri; May 13 Bruno's Bash Against Cancer, Bruno's American Grill, 2652 Hampton, St. Louis, Missouri; Big A's Relay Night, Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri.

Jessica encourages those interested to attend the Relay for Life event to see what it is all about. She would also like to see cancer survivors come out and learn about support groups available.

Jessica also had this to say: "Relay For Life is truly a powerful experience and sharing it with my friends and family who are just as passionate about the cause as I am is simply awesome. Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back."

For more information and an events flyer, contact Jessica at: jld454@gmail.com

Source: www.cancer.org