March 20, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
For 21 years, residents of this community have gathered at Greenbrook Park to celebrate cancer survivors and remember many who have lost a battle against cancer. This year is no exception.
The 22nd annual DeKalb County Relay for Life is scheduled for Friday evening, May 10 beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at midnight. The theme for the event is ‘Every Community Attacking Cancer”.
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The goal is to raise $50,000 for cancer research and patient services. Last year’s Relay generated $44,729.
“The American Cancer Society is the largest funding source for cancer research outside of the federal government and has been investing since 1946. Just this year 17 grants have come back into our state. Eight of those grants are going to Vanderbilt and eight to Saint Jude. It takes money for these researchers. Forty seven of them, funded by the American Cancer Society, have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. It’s not just things that only cancer patients would use that have been invented through the funding. One of those is the CAT scan machine. That is used for just about everything so we know we are helping to make a difference,” said Relay spokesperson Ivadell Randolph.
“We feel like our community has really made a difference and we are so appreciative to all who have participated over the years. We encourage you to come out and help support this,” she added.
Meanwhile, the annual Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Reception Dinner is scheduled for April 25 from 5-7 p.m. at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Gym sponsored by Dr. Timothy Tobitt of Good Health Family Clinic. Marlene Delong will be the guest speaker. She is a staff person with the American Cancer Society and was diagnosed with cancer this past year. All cancer survivors are invited.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community. Rallying the passion of 4 million people worldwide, Relay For Life events raise critical funds that help fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society. The ACS is an organization whose reach touches so many lives – those who are currently battling cancer, those who may face a diagnosis in the future and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education regarding prevention and early detection.
In addition to assisting DeKalb County cancer patients with services and informational support, the American Cancer Society currently has $8.5 million in cancer research projects here in Tennessee. That research is performed at facilities like Vanderbilt Medical Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Because of these research facilities, Tennessee typically receives more funds in research grants than is raised by Relay events throughout the state.
Randolph said the American Cancer Society also offers the Hope Lodge program in Nashville which provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment, and permanently reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from their cancer treatment center. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver.
“If you are undergoing treatment you can go to the Hope Lodge and stay the night if needed. If you have a real early appointment or something just have your doctor call for you and they will get you set up. It’s really a nice place to stay. Sometimes during treatment you need a place to go rest for a while or maybe you have other appointments later in the day. Its free and private. There is a common area where you can be with other people but you also have your private quarters there. So take advantage of the Hope Lodge,” said Randolph.
As in past years this year’s Relay for Life event will include the traditional Survivor, Caregiver and Team Laps shortly after 6 p.m. and the Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. These portions of the evening’s events are so meaningful to those who attend. From 5 p.m. until midnight the park will be filled with LIVE entertainment and lots of food, fun and games for the whole family provided by more than a dozen fundraising teams.
For more information about leading a fundraising team, sponsorship, volunteering or participating in any way, call Ivadell Randolph at 615- 597-5296, Lynda Luna at 615- 597-5837, Renee Cantrell at 615-684-2688, Gail Taylor 615-597-5936, Melanie Judkins at 615-597-1132, Marlene Delong-931-235-6286 or Eva Willoughby at 615-529-1187.