Relay For Life of Howard County at Hammond High School Raises $190,000 for American Cancer Society

  The battle against cancer gained a lot of local momentum June 3^rd and 4^th when 800 people participated in the 16^th annual Relay For Life of Howard County at Hammond High School. The Relay was an overnight event to celebrate cancer survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society.

   This year’s Relay raised $190,000 and money is still rolling in.  Funds will be used for cancer research, prevention, detection and treatment, and patient services.   

“I was overwhelmed to see the outpouring of support from our various donors and the dedication displayed by our 71 teams this year,” said Co-chair Jenn Phillips. This event is special in that it affords both survivors and those who have lost loved ones to cancer an opportunity to come together and remember.  At the same time, it affords them the opportunity to celebrate the victories that we experience each year.” 

  One hundred thirty-one cancer survivors, along with their guests, participated in the free Survivors’ Reception that immediately preceded the Relay. After Relay’s Opening Ceremonies, the survivors took the first lap around the track, applauded by families and friends. At dusk, the 950 luminaria that lined the track were set aglow, as were luminaria on the nearby bleachers that spelled out “HOPE” and “CURE.”  This year, a very large, white cardboard luminaria was placed in the middle of the field during the Luminaria Ceremony to remember Sheri Cohen, a longtime member of the local Relay Planning Committee.  Sheri died from leukemia on January 17, 2011.  

         Teams (formed by organizations such as churches, service clubs, schools, and businesses) held numerous fundraisers during the year and at the Relay.  As of June 4, the Wells Fargo team had raised the most money -$10,930.  The second- and third-place teams were hot on Wells Fargo’s heels.  They were Apex with $10,845 and Athletic Supporters with $10,780. 

   Top individual fundraisers as of June 4 were Sheri Cohen ($5,135), Mike Stanson ($3,685) and Vivek Mehta ($3,132).  Thirty-three of the 664 team members raised $1,000 or more.   

   Many businesses also supported the Relay by becoming corporate sponsors. Wells Fargo was at the top of the list for contributing $20,000.   

   Though this year’s Relay is over, the battle against cancer continues. People can donate to this year’s Relay through Aug. 31 by sending a check made out to the American Cancer Society –Relay for Life of Howard County at Hammond High School to ACS’s South Atlantic Division, 1393 Progress Way, Suite 908, Eldersburg, MD 21784.  Call 410-781-4316 if interested in forming a team or becoming a member of the Planning Committee for the 2012 Relay.