February 2004
Issue

Cancer - one word that can impact a person for a lifetime. Cancer is scary, life-changing and sometimes deadly.

Relay For Life® - one event that can impact a person for a lifetime. Relay celebrates life, provides hope, and brings entire communities together to help find a cure for cancer.

Conquering Cancer- Phi Theta Kappa's International Service Program.

Relay For Life is one of the cornerstones that Phi Theta Kappa chapters can use to build cancer awareness in our communities. With our awesome army of volunteers, we have the chance to make our local Relay For Life events even more successful. Participating in Relay For Life will be an experience never forgotten.

The goal of Relay For Life is to raise funds for cancer research. Across the country, people unite in teams participating in overnight walks to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. I participated in my first Relay For Life as an officer of my chapter at Elgin Community College. Not too familiar with the event, I simply knew that it was an overnight walk for cancer. This is just a part of what Relay For Life is all about.

The walk is filled with many emotions: laughter, hope and tears of remembrance and support for those affected by cancer. The event is a celebration of life, along with great entertainment, great food and great memories.

Our chapter, with the help of our local American Cancer Society office, decided to establish a Relay For Life event on our college campus for the first time. As part of the International Service Program, we had the opportunity to bring Relay For Life to our campus with the potential to become an annual event.

I wanted to help during the preparation process for the Relay, so I joined the Relay For Life Steering Committee as the Corporate Sponsorship Chairperson. My job included traveling to local businesses and informing them about our upcoming Relay. Additionally, I asked businesses for their support to make the event a success. Throughout that year, I was overwhelmed by the support businesses gave to our Relay. This is what Relay is all about: support and hope.

As leaders, we can excel in the Hallmark of Service by bringing the International Service Program to our colleges and communities.

To find out if a Relay event is scheduled in your area, visit www.cancer.org or call 1.800.ACS.2345. If you're not already working with your local American Cancer Society office, contact Donna Scoggins at donna.scoggins@cancer.org or 404.329.7960, to find out whom to call.

Participation can occur on many levels. As a chapter, you can form a team, join the Relay Steering Committee, or fundraise for the event. One of the greatest feelings is to know that your service can make an impact and even save lives.

The Relay For Life of Elgin Community College received the American Cancer Society National Impact Award for its impact on the community. This award recognized the hard work of all the individuals who helped make the Relay such a success. Working as a team to establish Relay For Life at my college is an experience I will never forget.

Many Relay For Life events are already scheduled in your communities in the coming months. It is never too late to become involved. As Phi Theta Kappa members, we have the opportunity to unite and to create a strong force in the fight against cancer with our efforts through Relay For Life. Won't you join us?

Contact Michael at michael.storey@ptk.org.