Relay for Life Survivor's Reception set for Aug. 10 at RV park

The American Cancer Society Elmore County Relay for Life committee is hosting a Survivor's Reception on Friday, Aug. 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the Mountain Home RV Park (Community Room) in Mountain Home. Mayor Joe B. McNeal will present attendees with the American Cancer Society Survivor's medal. There is no charge to attend the event, but those planning to attend are asked to RSVP Nancie Brininger at 590-3271 or Debbie Bessey at 890-4284.

The American Cancer Society invites all cancer survivors, individuals who want to honor cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) and caregivers to the Survivor's Reception. The event honors those who have faced the challenges of cancer and continue to strive to win the battle. This year's theme is "Let's Tackle Cancer!"

The Survivor's Reception is being held a week before the Elmore County Relay for Life event to make it easier for the survivors to attend. In past years, the reception has been held on the field the same day as the relay. "For some survivors, they found having it on the same day as relay was too tiring for them," noted relay for Life committee chairperson, Debbie Bessey. With the change of date, the venue for the reception has been changed, moving the event indoors to an air-conditioned building.

This year's Relay for Life event will be held on Aug. 17-18. Participants are encouraged to register in advance. Teams can have from 8-15 members and are allowed to set up tent sites at the event. In past years, teams have added theme decorations to individualize their sites. The goal for the 2007 Relay is to have 40 teams participating.

This will be the fourth year that a Relay for Life event is held in Mountain Home. All cancer survivors are invited to attend the Elmore County Relay for Life on Aug. 17-18 at the Mountain Home Junior High School football field. The opening ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. with a Luminaria ceremony at 11p.m. on Aug. 17. Closing ceremonies will be held at 7 a.m. on Aug. 18.

The event begins with the Survivors lap, followed by the Caregivers lap, then over 30 teams will take to the track to walk all night. The goal of Relay for Life is to focus attention on cancer, to honor and support cancer patients, and to raise funds for cancer research and patient support programs. For more information, contact Debbie Bessey at 890-4284.

For more information on Relay for Life and Team Registration and the American Cancer Society contact Jessica Gillingham, ACS Community Relationship Manager at 208-422-0175 or Jessica.Gillingham@cancer.org.