On May 13th and 14th the 16th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of St. Johns / Clinton County raised over $112,000 to support the Society’s mission of saving lives from cancer, as area residents rallied together during the 24-hour event at the St. Johns High School Football Field.
Although severe weather forced the event to shut down for a few hours, more than 300 people, represented by 35 teams, participated in this year’s Relay event. The teams were comprised of area families, faith-based groups, businesses, clubs and other organizations.
The event offered the community a chance to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and provide participants with an opportunity to fight back against the disease. It was estimated that there were over 1,000 people at the event for the Survivor and Caregiver activities at the opening ceremony. Unfortunately, severe thunderstorms rolled in about 9:30 p.m. and forced the event to shut down. That didn’t stop these dedicated volunteers…at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14th, teams returned to the track and started walking again until the Relay ended at 3:00 p.m.
“Through the teams hard work in preparing for the event, and by spending hours walking for the cause, St. Johns and Clinton County residents certainly did their part to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays,” said Shelley Hunt, volunteer chair for the 2011 Relay For Life of St. Johns / Clinton County.
“Thousands of people in our state alone will face a cancer diagnosis this year,” said Hunt. “And, it’s fulfilling knowing that we came together during Relay to help the American Cancer Society achieve its mission of saving lives in our community by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.”
It’s not too late to support the Relay For Life of St. Johns / Clinton County. Donations can be made by going to our event website at www.relayforlife.org/stjohnsmi.