In a nation where more than one million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, Fannin County residents are invited to celebrate life.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event where teams of participants take turns walking or running the track for 24 hours in an effort to fight cancer.  Teams camp out, eat and play games.  This year’s Relay For Life will be held at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center Walking Track on June 6.

The message of the event is cancer can be conquered.  This theme of hope is illustrated as the ceremony begins with a cancer survivors’ lap.  This emotional lap honors the courage of all who have defeated cancer.  The survivors are introduced, and then all walk, run or wheelchair the opening lap, unified in victory and in hope.

The atmosphere of Relay For Life is one of camaraderie and celebration, providing an opportunity for cancer survivors to pass the torch of hope on to those still battling cancer or those that might be touched by cancer in the future.

If you are a cancer survivor and would like to take part in the Relay For Life of Fannin County please call Andrea Wells at 903-227-5997 or Becky Minor at 903-227-3619 or visit www.rflfannin.com.  All survivors receive a free commemorative Relay For Life t-shirt.

For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24 hour help line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.