By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

“The first year I did Relay For Life, I just did it because everyone else was involved,” Rusk resident Glenna Martin remembers. “But the very next year, I came down with cancer.

“I had surgery and healed just in time to walk the track. It was a very emotional deal for me. It’s very different when you make laps as a survivor, than when you’re just there for support,” Martin said. “But as a survivor, I can say that seeing so many people who are there to show their support — it really means a lot, more than you’ll ever know.”

That’s exactly why cancer survivors are invited to make the first lap each year at the annual Relay for Life event.

This year’s event starts at 7 p.m. Friday and organizers want to see at least 200 Cherokee County cancer survivors there to make their victory laps in the fight against cancer at Jacksonville High School’s Mauldin Field.

Survivors can sign up to take the first lap by calling 903-683-2202 or 903-683-7483; e-mailing cherokeerelayforlife@yahoo.com; or by mailing a registration form (found on page B4 of today’s paper) to Ann Kelley, P.O. Box 2364, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

“They can sign up until the start of the Relay, but in order to make sure we have their shirt sizes we’ll need survivors to sign up early,” Relay coordinator Cynthia Kline said. “We will have extra shirts on hand and hopefully we’ll have enough in the right sizes. If not, any survivor to participate will get a shirt mailed to them later.”

A reception for survivors will be held at 5:45 p.m. Friday in the survivor’s tent at Mauldin Field, prior to the beginning of the Relay.

Relay For Life is an annual event promoted by the American Cancer Society that helps raise awareness of the devastating effects cancer has on its victims and their families, and raises money to help fund the fight against cancer.

“Relay For Life offers hope, support and understanding to those who have been directly effected by cancer,” Kline said. “There is a touching feeling to see so many others that share the same struggles, fears and triumphs. Relay offers the opportunity for survivors to share their story and gain comfort from knowing that they are not facing this alone. It also offers them encouragement and networking for assistance that we offer right here in Cherokee County.”

According to the official Relay Web site, www.relayforlife.org, those who are committed to fighting cancer in their communities year-round gather for Relay For Life once a year to celebrate survivors and caregivers, remember loved ones lost and to gain inspiration for the fight against cancer.

“Each of the more than 4,800 relays nationwide is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer,” the Web site states. “Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags with the goal of keeping on person on the track at all times. Relay For Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches — people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the Relay, all with the goal of eliminating cancer.”

Cherokee County’s 2007 event boasted 25 teams, 360 participants and grossed more than $87,000. An estimated 83 percent of funds raised through Relay For Life is used to further research and development of a cure for cancer.

“When your only hope of survival is a research trial, the effort to raise the money to fund that research is an absolute necessity,” Kline said.

This year’s Relay goals include:

• selling at least 1,000 luminaria, in honor of those who lost their battles with cancer;

• registering at least 50 teams to takes laps through the night; and

• to raise at least $100,000.

“We can’t do this without ya’ll,” said Reba Smith, event committee member. “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Kline said children and children's angel costumes are also needed for the relay, who will walk around the track during Luminaria carrying “Quite Please” or “Shhhh...” signs. Contact Kline to help.