American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Emmanuel's Seekers

In the winter of 2000, Jane Gee and her daughters, Lisa and Amy, organized a team to participate in the American Cancer Society's RELAY FOR LIFE in the summer of 2001. The team was intended to be a church based team and was named "Emmanuel's Seekers" ..... seeking a cure for cancer. Jane continued as Captain until August of 2007 when she was asked to Chair the 2008 Relay. Pat Smith and Charnell Landrum volunteered to Co-Captain the team and have done a fantastic job! Seekers achieved Silver (over $2500.00) in 2004, 2005 and 2006; Gold (over $5000.00) in both 2007 and 2008; and we're proud to say we achieved Platinum (over $10,000.00) in 2009. We are one of only two teams to achieve this goal in Scioto County.

Relay for Life is the largest fundraiser for cancer research. But not only does it benefit research, we also help fund patient education and services, and advocacy. Did you know we are one of only 55 counties in Ohio to be blessed with an ACS Cancer Resource Center? It's located just inside the SOMC Cancer Center on Kinneys Lane and has lots of resource materials available to cancer patients and their families. The resource center also provides programs for patients .... Look Good Feel Better (makeover session for all female cancer patients), Reach to Recovery (one on one support for Breast Cancer patients), Man to Man, and I Can Cope. We also have a Patient Navigator, employed by ACS, to help guide patients through treatments and financial issues. Her name is Kim Painter and she can be reached at the ACS toll free number 1-800-ACS-2345.

Relay for Life is an overnight event signifying cancer doesn't sleep, so for this one night a year we shouldn't either. Teams usually consist of 8-15 members who raise funds throughout the year, then gather together on one warm Friday night in June, at the Scioto County Fairgrounds, for an evening of lots of emotion and tons of fun. We open with a Survivor Lap, followed by a Caregiver Lap where we ask our caregivers to join their survivors. Anyone who has ever been a caregiver for a cancer patient is also invited to join us on the track. The survivors and their caregiver are then invited to a dinner in the Commercial Bldg. Teams are introduced and begin their laps around the track. Teams are asked to have at least one member on the track at all times. On stage entertainment is ongoing. Luminaries line the track in honor and in memory of cancer victims. As darkness approaches, a Luminaria Ceremony is held where we remember those lost to this disease that takes too many.

Teams enjoy Looney Laps ..... one per hour ..... where different themes are represented by costumes and activities on the track. In 2009 other activities included: Guitar Hero Contest, Silent Auction, Car Smash/Take a whack at cancer, Inflatables, Jail N Bail, Dunk Tank, and Cake Walk. If you would like to join us in this very worthwhile cause as a team member, start a new team, serve on the planning committee, or just want more information, please call Jane Gee at 259-5096 or email at SciotoRelay@roadrunner.com.