Teams & Cancer Survivors Preparing For ‘Relay For Life, Naples 2008’
A fun-filled, overnight event to raise money for the fight against cancer


Naples, FL – The American Cancer Society Collier County Unit, in conjunction with the Relay For Life of Naples Committee, is pleased to announce Relay For Life of Naples 2008, taking place Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2008, at Gulfview Middle School, Naples.
“We are excited to be hosting the 12th annual Relay For Life of Naples,” explains Relay For Life of Naples volunteer event Chair Kate Kerwin.  “This year’s theme, Relay Around the World, highlights the worldwide participation in the fight against cancer.  In 2008, 106,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Florida, and some 1.4 million amongst Americans.  Our hope is to ensure funds are available for research, education, advocacy and patient services for each of these patients.”
Relay For Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Washington, colorectal surgeon raised $27,000 for the fight against cancer by running the track at Baker Stadium, the University of Puget Sound, for 24 hours. Klatt’s friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with the doctor as he logged more than 83 miles throughout the night.

In 1986, 19 teams took part in Washington’s first team relay event raising $33,000. Today, more than 4,900 Relays occur throughout the US with 19 nations joining the efforts for more than 3.5 million total participants. Together, survivors and those impacted by cancer have raised more than $405 million worldwide.
Relay For Life of Naples, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, 2008, at Gulfview Middle School, downtown Naples. The event begins at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, April 18, and continues throughout the night until noon - 12:00 on Saturday, April 19.

Each Relay For Life event is comprised of teams of up to 15 individuals – at least one member of the team must be on the track at all times during the overnight event. Teams participating in Relay For Life are encouraged to bring their own food, tents, camping gear, etc. Onsite first-aid, restrooms and security are provided. Teams are now forming for the upcoming year.

Currently, the following Relay For Life events are taking place throughout the Naples-Ft. Myers area:

• Naples – April 18-19, 2008, Gulfview Middle School
• Marco Island – April 25-26, 2008, Mackle Park
• Golden Gate – April 11-12, 2008, Golden Gate High School
• Bonita Springs - March 28-29, 2008, Bonita Springs YMCA
• Estero – April 25-26, 2008, Miromar Outlets
• Immokalee – March 14-15, 2008, Immokalee High School

Registration for Relay For Life, Naples continues through to the event. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, please call Ann Gardner at 239.261.0337 ext. 118 or email at Ann.Gardner@cancer.org

WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity. It offers everyone in a community a chance to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, from 18 to 24 hours in length.

WHY RELAY?
The power of Relay is that it allows a community to grieve for those lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have survived. For the newly diagnosed, Relay offers a chance to meet someone who has survived the same type of cancer. For the cancer patient in treatment, Relay provides an opportunity to share with others. For the long-term survivor, Relay brings a community’s recognition of the struggle and closure to a trying time in life.

Event Location:

Gulfview Middle School
255 - 6th Street South
Naples, Florida 34102


Dates & Times:

Starts Friday
April 18, 2008 - 6pm

Ends Saturday
April 19, 2008 - 12pm


For information about other Relay For Life events taking place in the area call 1.800.227.2345