MONROE - "Everyone Deserves Another Birthday" is the theme for the annual Green County Relay for Life, slated to run from 4 p.m. Friday, June 25 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 26 at the Monroe High School track.
Monsignor Thomas Campion, a cancer survivor, is honorary chairman of the event. Campion had prostate cancer in 2007 and has had several bouts with melanoma.
His faith, family and friends helped him through his battles with cancer, he said.
A young friend, Jacob, who is autistic, helped give Campion extra courage to face his illness.
"He's going to struggle his entire life, and here I am feeling sorry for myself," Campion said. "If he can do, so can I."
Campion had 42 radiation treatments for his cancer. Recently he read the book "Quiet Strength," by former football coach Tony Dungy. He said the book can inspire anyone who faces a tough situation.
"He wrote that you need quiet strength, fierce determination, and honest humility. If you're going to survive cancer, you need all three of those things," Campion said.
Jo Ann Steuri, team development coordinator, said there are 31 teams registered for the relay. Organizer Deanne Miller said the event raised about $96,500 last year.
The Relay for Life features a survivors' lap around the track at 6 p.m. Friday. Caregivers can also take part in the survivors' lap.
Luminaries to remember those who survived cancer as well as those who died can be purchased for $5. They will be lit at a 9 p.m. ceremony. The names of people who appear on the luminaries are read while people walk around the track. It is an emotional time for both participants and spectators.
The luminaries can be purchased up to the time of the lighting, Miller said.
Activities throughout the two-day event include a dessert auction, a silent auction, music, food and games for children.
Miller said people are able to camp at the high school near the track. It's a good opportunity for teams to spend the night at the track and for people to visit with friends and other survivors and caregivers, she said. Anyone interested in camping can call Miller at (608) 527-28282.
According to the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life began in 1985 with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, Relay For Life will take place in nearly 5,100 communities in the United States and 20 other countries and will raise funds to support the society's mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and fighting back.
To learn more about the Relay for Life, or to make a donation, contact Miller or call (800) 227-2345.
Monsignor Thomas Campion, a cancer survivor, is honorary chairman of the event. Campion had prostate cancer in 2007 and has had several bouts with melanoma.
His faith, family and friends helped him through his battles with cancer, he said.
A young friend, Jacob, who is autistic, helped give Campion extra courage to face his illness.
"He's going to struggle his entire life, and here I am feeling sorry for myself," Campion said. "If he can do, so can I."
Campion had 42 radiation treatments for his cancer. Recently he read the book "Quiet Strength," by former football coach Tony Dungy. He said the book can inspire anyone who faces a tough situation.
"He wrote that you need quiet strength, fierce determination, and honest humility. If you're going to survive cancer, you need all three of those things," Campion said.
Jo Ann Steuri, team development coordinator, said there are 31 teams registered for the relay. Organizer Deanne Miller said the event raised about $96,500 last year.
The Relay for Life features a survivors' lap around the track at 6 p.m. Friday. Caregivers can also take part in the survivors' lap.
Luminaries to remember those who survived cancer as well as those who died can be purchased for $5. They will be lit at a 9 p.m. ceremony. The names of people who appear on the luminaries are read while people walk around the track. It is an emotional time for both participants and spectators.
The luminaries can be purchased up to the time of the lighting, Miller said.
Activities throughout the two-day event include a dessert auction, a silent auction, music, food and games for children.
Miller said people are able to camp at the high school near the track. It's a good opportunity for teams to spend the night at the track and for people to visit with friends and other survivors and caregivers, she said. Anyone interested in camping can call Miller at (608) 527-28282.
According to the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life began in 1985 with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, Relay For Life will take place in nearly 5,100 communities in the United States and 20 other countries and will raise funds to support the society's mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and fighting back.
To learn more about the Relay for Life, or to make a donation, contact Miller or call (800) 227-2345.