Smith letter: Help battle cancer at April 27 Relay for Life

Just as the effects of a challenging economy are felt by families in every community, cancer, too, has a far-reaching impact. No matter how the stock market is performing or what the current unemployment rate may be, there are still many people battling a cancer diagnosis and many others who are lending support alongside loved ones every day.
These realities make the dollars donated and volunteer hours devoted to the American Cancer Society – a part of Lancaster County for many years – critically important.
Local volunteers are a huge part of a nationwide effort to save lives from cancer, but additional people are needed for the progress to continue.
Plans are under way for the society’s annual fundraiser, Relay For Life, which will be held at Lancaster High School Memorial Stadium on Friday, April 27.
The money raised at Relay For Life enables the American Cancer Society to deliver on its mission of helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures and fighting back against the disease.
Relay provides the society with money to support vital, cutting-edge cancer research; provides cancer patients with free makeup and wigs through the Look Good Feel Better program, transportation to treatment and free lodging at  the Hope Lodge in Charleston; publishes lifesaving literature on cancer prevention, detection and tobacco control and develops a new generation of medicines to help those battling cancer.
Now is the time for individuals, families, community groups, corporations and small businesses to commit their Relay For Life team participation.
Join us at this event to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those who lost the battle, fight back against the disease and help the American Cancer Society realize its vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
To sign up, participate or learn how to volunteer, call (803) 283-4718 or visit RelayForLife.org/lancastersc.
Stephanie Smith
American Cancer Society community manager, Lancaster