Dear Editor:
Every year there are thousands of Relay For Life events in the United States as well as 22 other countries. Money raised through Relay For Life goes to: 
Research grants and research programs, Prevention programs, Community/patient support programs, Detection and treatment programs, and construction of Hope Lodges.
On Saturday , June 1, 2013 at Sullivan County Community College, we will be holding the 17th Relay for Life in Sullivan County.
Over the years the event has grown, changed venues and raised money to defeat cancer. We walk to celebrate survivors, to honor caregivers, and we hold dear the memories of cancer victims. We spend 18 to 24 hours taking turns walking, enjoying the company of other relayers, being entertained by an all night DJ plus a lot of donated local talent, games and activities for young and old.
It is an absolutely wonderful experience from the opening ceremonies, through the luminary ceremony and on to the closing ceremony on Sunday morning.
Most Relays are a town event or a college event but ours is a county event. My greatest wish is to get as much of our county involved as possible. In a large county such as ours reaching to Roscoe, Callicoon, Bloomingburg, Wurtsboro, Claryville and all points in between, I can only dream of the impact we could make if the county could pull together for this, one day, one night, one hope event. There are so many ways to be part of this event with as much or as little involvement as any one wishes.
Of course my wish is that this year’s Relay for Life will exceed all previous years, but to do this we need more teams, more volunteers, new ideas and people with a passion and a reason to want to fight this war we are in against this terrible disease.
If cancer has not touched your life either personally, through a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance you are a very lucky person. For those of you who have been touched in anyway, here is a chance for you to feel a sense of accomplishment a feeling of helping and giving back.
If you are not able to commit then please just come to the event and check it out. It’s free and it’s fun. Join us now in the war against cancer become a soldier in this very important battle.
On Tuesday April 9 there will a meeting, anyone is welcome to attend and learn more. There is no obligation or commitment, just listen and learn what this is all about.
For more information please contact: Tina Eckert at 845-440-2509 or Gayle Irving at 845-701-5319. Or visit us on line at www.relayforlife.org/sullivancountyny.
Thank you,
Gayle Irving, Chairperson
Sullivan County Relay For Life
Grahamsville, NY
The Catskill Chronicle 
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