As the date of the 16th Annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life draws closer, the youth of our community are sharing in the dream of a cure for cancer.

Under the direction of Paschal Ward and J.J. Sewell, 238 band members proudly supported the Society’s efforts by lighting up the night sky with candles to show their support.

This year the Relay For Life will be held this Saturday, March 14, at the Bainbridge High School track from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Not only is the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fun and inspirational, it raises millions of dollars nationwide to fund programs in research, education and patient services.

Relay reminds us that progress has been made against cancer, and that everyone who participates or contributes makes a difference.

Several schools, organizations, churches, clubs and places of business will gather as teams and fund-raise for the event. The money raised during the annual Decatur County Relay For Life comes back to our community.

As a result of the donations made to the American Cancer Society by our supporters, the following services were provided for Decatur County residents: 24 patients had the benefit of mileage reimbursement, four patients were transported to treatment sites, three patients received medications, one patient received financial assistance, one patient received a wig, two patients were awarded camp scholarships, two benefited from the Reach to Recovery Program, two with other patient programs, 26 individuals received general cancer information, and we were also able to provide three patients with lodging at the Hope Lodge in Atlanta, Ga., for a total of 57 nights.

If you would like to be a part of the 2009 Relay for Life, please contact Sharon Day at (229) 254-3840 or Suzy Harrison at (229) 416-5997.

You may also access our Web site at http://www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345.

This year’s Relay for Life kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and last until 10 p.m. at the Bainbridge High School track.