Relay for Life raises over $100,000

Photo by Claud Wallace Jackie Fouts and Bob Barbee carry this year's Fight Back sign during Kilgore's Relay for Life. Residents of the Gregg County South made a giant step toward a cure for cancer on April 24 and 25 when they walked throughout the night during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

More than 41 teams and 500 people came together during this year's relay to raise in excess of $101,000. Money raised during Relay For Life helps fund the American Cancer Society's research, education, advocacy and service programs. The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit supporter of new cancer research and the largest voluntary health organization fighting cancer in our country and around the world.

"We appreciate all the support we received from each of the teams, as well as from our sponsors," said Jackie Fout, event chair. "We are especially grateful to the many volunteers and their families for all of their hard work to make this event happens."

Christ the King Catholic Church team was the top fundraising team at the event, raising over $ 11,000. The name of the top individual will be announced at a later date.

Photo by Claud Wallace Helen and James Pageant make the walk during this year's Relay for Life. Relay For Life is a familyoriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie while also raising funds to support the activities of the American Cancer Society. Participants campout and, when they are not taking their turn walking or running, they take part in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment. Relay For Life also raises awareness about cancer by honoring cancer survivors.

The Relay began at 6:45 p.m. at the Kilgore Youth Softball/Soccer Complex, when 115 cancer survivors and caregivers kicked off the event by walking the first lap.

A Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. illuminated the entire track as participants lit luminaria candles in memory of those who've lost the battle to cancer and in support for those still fighting the disease.

The following teams participated in the Kilgore Relay For Life:

Brannan Russell, Bronco Billy's Buccaneers (B.J. Dyna Coil), Chandler Faith Relay Team, Chandler Street Church of Christ, Citizens Bank-Sole Mates, City of Kilgore Guns & Hoses, Colors of Hope, Conner Crusaders, Christ The King Crusaders I, Christ The King Crusaders II,

Exterran (The Disney Princesses), First Presbyterian Youth, Forest Home Baptist Team, Halliburton, Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, In The Pink, International Order of Rainbow Girls, KHS Student Council, KISD La Bamba, KIS Pink Panthers,

KBBA, Kilgore National Bank, Mickey Mouse & The Mouseketeers, MLMS Student Council, Mosby Mechanical Co. Inc., PTK Gamma Omicrons (Kilgore College), Rainbow Girls, KC Relay Rangers, Sabine Art Club, Sabine FCA,

Sabine High Anchor Club, Sabine High Office, Sabine Spanish Club, Sabine Survivors, St. Luke's Youth-The Methodist Martians, Team Sizzle (Chili's), Texas Strollers, The Blonde Salon, The Tooth Fairies, Walkers for Hope and Wal-Mart.

For more information about Relay For Life and how to become involved visit www.RelayForLife.org or call your local office at 903-597-1383. To learn more about cancer call the American Cancer Society's 24-hour help line at 1-800-ACS02345 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.