OVMC TO SPONSOR OHIO COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE
04/23/07

Contact: Howard Gamble, MPH
Title: Marketing & Public Relations
Phone: (304)234-8135

Ohio Valley Medical Center (OVMC) recently signed on as a sponsor for the American Cancer Society’s 2007 Relay for Life in Ohio County. OVMC is a Platinum Sponsor for the event.
Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship. This year’s Ohio County Relay for Life will be held on Friday, August 10th at Good Lake, Wheeling Park. The event will begin at 6:00pm.

The funds raised from the event supports the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer through research, prevention and early detection programs. Relay represents the hopes that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated.

During the event, teams gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running. Participants camp out and when they aren’t taking their turn on the track, enjoy a variety of entertainment and team activities. Teams consist of 10 to 15 individuals representing businesses, churches, schools, neighborhoods, hospitals and families.

Each Relay For Life begins by honoring cancer survivors as they make the event’s first lap, with other participants for the community cheering them on. A luminary service takes place just after dark at every Relay event in the United States. Candles lit in the luminary bags represent cancer survivors or those who have lost their battle to cancer. At this emotional moment during the event, activities cease and participants pause to reflect on and celebrate their loved ones. The candles burning throughout the night light the way and serve as reminders of the significance of participants’ contributions.

Relay For Life is not only a fundraiser; it also brings awareness to the community about the advancement in cancer research, prevention, and detection. Many of the participants are cancer survivors, and their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made not only in cancer cure rates, but also in the quality of life following cancer treatment.

For more information about Relay For Life in the Ohio County community, please call Cathy Northcraft at 242-4280 or Michelle Chappell at your local American Cancer Society office at (304) 564-5646.