By Diane Glidewell
dglidewell@jacksonprogress-argus.com

Pat Crawford and Donna Owens are in their fourth year as chair persons of the Butts County Relay for Life. They have made arrangements to pass the baton to a new chairperson next year, but it was obvious they have not relinquished any of their passion for and dedication to the Relay and the fight against cancer it champions as they launched the 2010 Kick Off for the event on Thursday, January 28.

The American Cancer Society has introduced the theme of “More Birthdays” for the 2010 Relay for Life campaign. The fight about cancer is about individuals, families, and friends having opportunities to celebrate more birthdays and savor the joy that comes with them.

For the Kick-Off, the room at the Butts County Community Center was decorated with balloons; tables were covered with birthday tablecloths, favors, and party hats; and there was a delicious birthday cake made by the Piggly Wiggly bakery. Relay teams were asked to plan to decorate their tents with a birthday party theme and to plan birthday party games as fundraisers on the field during the Relay.

“This is all about having fun and working together,” said Crawford.

Funds raised through Relays for Life support scientific research for a cure for cancer, but the funds also support individuals and their families going through treatment for cancer and surviving the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. There is the Road to Recovery program which provides transportation to and from doctors and treatments; there is a support program for breast cancer survivors; there are college scholarships for survivors of childhood cancer.

There are 21 Hope Lodges in 15 states where adult cancer patients can find a caring home away from home free of charge while they are undergoing treatment. One of the Hope Lodges is in Atlanta.

“We are excited that teams were already turning in money at the Kick-Off,” said Owens. “And we just contacted by Jackson Veterinary Clinic and Westbury Medical Care Home about getting involved and hosting a tea.”

Gerri Meadows is the luminary chairperson; Andrea Baldwin in the sponsorship chair; Jill Ingram is the survivor chair; Allison Shield is the fundraising chair; Valita LaPrade and Julie Christian are heading additional committees.

“Speak up and give us your ideas whether you’re on a committee or not,” said Crawford.

Tonia Randall, the American Cancer Society Community Manager for Butts County, urged everyone to remember the ACS phone number which could connect cancer patients to many resources available through the ACS: 1-800-ACS-2345.

The 2010 Butts County Relay for Life will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 23-24 at the Butts County Recreation Department football field. The Survivor Walk will begin at the Butts County Sheriff’s Department at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and the Opening Ceremonies for the Relay begin at 6 p.m.

For more information and to get involved, contact Donna Owens or Pat Crawford at the Administrative Office of the Butts County School System, 770-504-2300.