Walkers and runners from across Karnes County will go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. This "celebration of life" brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

The eighth annual Karnes County Relay For Life will field teams of enthusiastic super heroes from Kenedy, Karnes City, Runge and Falls City at the Karnes City High School Stadium for a 12-hour relay against cancer from 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4 until 7 a.m. Saturday, May 5.

Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life — including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, schools, churches and community volunteers — to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life is a reminder that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

The stadium will open at 3 p.m. for teams to begin setting up campsites. The concession stand, operated by the Karnes City Young Progressives, will open at 6 p.m., and the reception for cancer survivors and their caregivers will start at 6 p.m.. Opening ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m., followed by the cancer survivors recognition and lap. The luminaria ceremony will be held at 9 p.m.

Members from 20 teams will relay throughout the night, with at least one team member walking, running or rocking at all times. There will be special activities for team members to participate in, such as the pajama lap, a super hero lap, and a Mr. Relay contest to help motivate them and to add some fun to the worthy cause. Entertainment will include live bands, area singers and DJ music. There will also be a silent auction. Campsites will offer games such as bunco, and other activities for visitors as well as team members.

"Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser," said Kayla Reese, event chair. "Many of the participants will be people who have been cured of cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in cancer cure rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment."

"The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research, and services to patients," said Reese. "Due to the generosity of sponsors like Diamond Sponsor Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Kenedy, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs."

The 2007 Karnes County Relay For Life Committee includes Jochelle Torres, team recruitment; Mary Kruciak, treasurer; Leesa Crabb, entertainment; Sharon Bednorz, activities;, Phillis Ender and Pumpkin Culpepper; survivorship; Pumpkin Culpepper, Melissa Gonzalez and Margaret Robinson, luminaria. Also Darlene Puente, corporate sponsorship; Gretchen Dupnik, silent auction; Justin Szalwinski, marketing/communications; Sherry Sommer, concession stand and Clara Bailey, education.

Information about how to form a a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from Jochelle Torres at 583-3401.

For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour hot line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the web site at 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.