To the Editor:

Beating our biggest rival takes more than breakthrough research. It takes things like our 24/7 cancer help line and free rides to chemo. By joining the Relay For Life movement in our community, we can all help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, the Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer.

Community volunteers are the backbone of this movement, and you can be part of it right here in our area during the weekend of May 18-19 by supporting either our Bertie County or our Northampton County events.

The Relay For Life of Bertie County will be held on May 18 from 6 pm to midnight, and the Relay For Life of Northampton County will be held on May 18-19 from 6 pm on May 18 through 11 am on May 19. We would love to see people from every part of these communities get involved.

The American Cancer Society is the cause fighting cancer on every front; standing shoulder to shoulder with cancer patients and those supporting them. This year, an estimated 1.3 million people in the U.S. will participate in more than 2,000 Relay For Life events to help beat our biggest rival. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness.

Join us at our upcoming Relay For Life events! Visit RelayForLife.org/bertienc or RelayForLife.org/northamptonnc for more information about these upcoming events.

April Smith & LaDonna May-Barnes
Senior Community Development Managers
Relay For Life of Bertie and Northampton counties
American Cancer Society