By By VICKEY SELLERS
American Cancer Society
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.
The strength of the American Cancer Society is you, the volunteer. The Society depends on the competence, creativity and dedication of its volunteers to achieve its mission. The American Cancer Society recruits volunteers to take life-saving messages about cancer prevention and early detection into local communities, as well as provide services to cancer patients, their families and health care professionals.
We take this opportunity to thank our many volunteers who make cancer prevention, detection, awareness and education possible. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to help the hundreds of patients in our area who are undergoing treatment.
Sixteen teams took part in Atmore's Relay for Life to benefit the Society's programs, services and life-saving research. Teams participating in the event included Alto Products, The Atmore Advance, Atmore Community Hospital, Atmore Nursing Care Center, David's Catfish, First National Bank, Friends of Thomas Boatwright, Frontier Communications, Mary Kay, Northview High School, Pepsi Cola and SAV, Poarch Creek Indians, Southern Aluminum, Swift Companies, United Bank and Vanity Fair.
Without the support of others, it is difficult to provide free programs and services to the hundreds of cancer patients in the area. Sponsors for the event included Southern Pine, First National Bank, Huxford Pole and Timber, Poarch Creek Indians, Pepsi Cola and SAV, Days Inn, Alto Products, Atmore Family Medicine, Petroleum Engineers, Frontier Communications, J-Mar Trucking, Staff Chevrolet, Swift Supply, Huddle House and Diamond Oil.
The success of an event such as this is dependent on the community. The American Cancer Society consists of more than two million volunteers and approximately 4,000 staff. Our volunteers look like you. They reflect the diversity of people we seek to serve. Our volunteers plan, implement and manage our organization in partnership with well-trained staff. This volunteer-staff partnership is an integral part of our organizational culture. Together we can make a difference.
Local volunteers making a difference in Atmore's Relay 2001 included Judy Pylate, co-chair; Rusty Miller, co-chair and logistics; Barbara Nemeth, survivor reception; Robyn Byrd, entertainment; Terri Godwin and Matthew Dobson, activities; Myrna Monroe and Sherry Digmon, publicity; Sandra Johnson, luminaries; Norma Hall, at-large; Ronnie Huskey, sponsorship; Leslie German, cancer control and information; and Wanda Hall, accounting.
Other local supporters were the City of Atmore, The Atmore Advance, Atmore YMCA, Eldnar McGhee, David Adams, Southern Computers, Reed Adams, Randy Adams, Denean Workman, Northview Color Guard, Dylan Adams, The Four Js and Judy Stahley, New Pleasant Hill Choir, James Weber, Dianne Boatwright, Gregg's, the Rev. C.L. Langford, Lana Langford, Sarju Patel, Gregg Akins, Shirley West, Shirley Darby, Lori Madison, Anand Patel, Anna Zarahn, Dave Maddox, Pepsi Cola and SAV and the Matthews family, Frontier Communications, Tony Lambeth, William Grissett, Escambia Lawn and Rental Center, Atmore Nursing Care Center, First National Bank, and Days Inn.
Cancer information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 800-ACS-2345 or on the Internet at www.cancer.org.