Signature Magazine - April 2011

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Jefferson Davis County, Longleaf Trace Park • May 6 – Relay For Life of Simpson County, City of Magee Sportsplex • May 6 – Relay For Life of Greene County, Greene County High School Football Field • May 13 – Relay For Life of Smith County, Taylorsville Walking Track • May 13 – Relay For Life of Pike County, Southwest Regional Medical Center Walking Track • May 13 – Relay For Life of Petal, Relay Park

Communities unite to fight for a world with less cancer and more birthdays A cancer diagnosis doesn’t affect just one. The three little words “You have cancer” are heard and felt by families, by friends and even by communities. That’s why communities all across the nation unite to fight the battle against cancer. They’re fighting for a world with less cancer and more birthdays. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, 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. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events. Everyone's reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can

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gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories. No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: With every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. Upcoming Relay events include: • April 15 – Relay For Life of Covington County, Collins High School • April 15 – Relay For Life of Lawrence County, Court House Square (Monticello) • April 29 – Relay For Life of Jones County, Laurel/Jones County Sportsplex • April 29 – Relay For Life of Perry County, Perry County Multi-Purpose Center (Richton) • April 29 – Relay For Life of Hattiesburg, Pride Field at Univ. of Southern Mississippi • May 6 – Relay For Life of Lamar County, Oak Grove High School Track • May 6 – Relay For Life of Marion County, Columbia High School Football Field • May 6 – Relay For Life of

1-800-227-2345 and cancer.org The American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling toll-free 1-800-227-2345. Trained cancer information specialists are on hand to answer questions and connect callers to local resources. Information is also available online at cancer.org. The site provides information about cancer, local resources, events and more. Cancer Survivors Network® The Cancer Survivors Network is a virtual community created by and for survivors where they can share experiences and provide support. The site is available at csn.cancer.org. Celebration of Survivorship The American Cancer Society holds an annual Celebration of Survivorship during its Relay For Life events across the state. Cancer survivors are invited to lead the Victory Lap that begins the overnight Relay. To join this year’s celebration, please call the American Cancer Society at 1800-227-2345. College Scholarships The American Cancer Society’s Mid-South Division awards scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to young cancer survivors. Eligible students must have had a cancer diagnosis before age 19, maintain a 2.5 GPA, be under the age of 25, and been accepted to an accredited college, university or vocational school. Gift Items Wigs, turbans, breast prostheses, prosthetic bras, and limited durable medical equipment are some of the items available free of charge to cancer patients.


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