Plans continue for Relay For Life

The annual Clay County Relay For Life is just over two weeks away, and as last minute plans are underway, this year's honored survivors have been named. This year the honor goes to Nancy and Tommy Hardcastle of Piggott. The couple will be formally introduced at the annual Survivor's Dinner, which will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 20, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Piggott.

The Relay For Life will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. the following Saturday, April 25, at Heritage Park.

The week also will coincide with the 37th annual recognition of "National Volunteer Week" April 19-25. In celebration the American Cancer Society will honor more than three million volunteers nationwide. ACS officials noted that in Clay County, in the Mid-South Region, more than 100 volunteers give their time and talents to fight the disease.

Among the volunteers doing work for the American Cancer Society are the more than 3.5 million people, including a half million cancer survivors who put on the many Relays held nationwide. Another half million take part in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walks held in many parts of the country.

The ACS also has its "Dedicated Society" program, in which volunteers provide direct assistance and services to people facing cancer in a variety of ways. This includes the "Look Good, Feel Better" program, to help women deal with the side effects of treatment and how it affects their appearance, and the "Reach to Recovery" effort for newly-diagnosed patients.

The ACS also supports its legislative advocacy and has a grassroots network of volunteers who successfully work to send strong messages to lawmakers about issues that matter to people touched by cancer.

Some important contact information for cancer patients includes: the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 for 24-hour-a-day information on cancer and its treatment; U-Can at 1-877-776-1892 or 573 776-1892 for help with utilities and other bills while taking treatments; CancerCare at 1-800-813-4673 for financial help with bills and possible help with childcare while taking treatments and those taking treatments in Jonesboro may be eligible for gas vouchers by calling Holly Young at 870 972-4510.

Individuals interested in volunteering their time for the upcoming Relay For Life may contact Clay County chair Susie Bowman at 598-3457 or 529-3650. For additional information on cancer you may contact the American Cancer Society online at www.cancer.org.