Teams & Cancer Survivors
Preparing For ‘Relay
For Life, Naples 2010’
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 2010, taking place Friday and Saturday, April 16-17, at Gulfview Middle School, Naples.
“We are excited to be hosting the 14th annual Relay For Life of Naples,” explains Relay For Life of Naples volunteer event Chair Kathleen Coppola. “In 2010, 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 16 and 17, 2010, at Gulfview Middle School, downtown Naples. The event begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 16, and continues throughout the night until 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 17.
Each Relay For Life event is comprised of teams of up to 15 individuals – at least one member of the team must be walking 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 16-17, 2010 - Gulfview Middle School
- Marco Island - March 13-14, 2010 - Mackle Park
- Golden Gate - May 1-2, 2010 - Golden Gate Community Park
- Bonita Springs - April 9-10, 2010 - Bonita Springs YMCA
- Immokalee - May 7 & 8, 2010 - Seminole Tribe Reservation Ranch
- East Collier County - May 22-23, 2010 - Eagle Lakes Community Park
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.
Because Relay For Life is a community gathering rather than an athletic event, anyone and everyone can participate. Teams form from businesses, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, churches, schools, and service organizations. Team members share a common purpose — to support the American Cancer Society’s mission
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.
Caregivers also find hope in Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love and support to friends, family, and neighbors who face cancer. At Relay, everyone understands the challenges and joys of being a caregiver. There is peace of mind knowing that together we can face the challenges ahead. Caregivers will be honored with their lap at 8:45, prior to the luminaria ceremony.
Contact Information:
American Cancer Society
Collier County Unit
Contact Person:
 Event Location:
Gulfview Middle School
255 - 6th Street South
Naples, Florida 34102
Dates & Times:
Starts Friday
April 16, 2010 - 4pm
Ends Saturday
April 17, 2010 - 10am
For information about other Relay For Life events taking
place in the area call 1.800.227.2345
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Relay Scoop
