By Seth Slover
Staff Writer
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life has become a staple in the Coppell community over the years. Relay for Life has fought, increased awareness and fundraised for cancer for nine years.
With the anticipation of this year’s rally in April, a Relay for Life kick off rally will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the New The High@Coppell Café, located at 113 Samuel Blvd.
The kickoff rally is extremely important in preparing for Relay for Life in the spring. Although the actual 2012 Relay for Life of Coppell (taking place at Wagon Wheel Park) is not until April 28, it is not too early to begin the preparation for a very relevant cause.
Event Chair Debbie Russell-Chillag reiterated the significance.
“As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays, what better way is there to celebrate the ‘season of giving’ than by participating in Coppell’s Relay for Life 10th Anniversary Kickoff?” Chillag said.
The benefits of attending are extensive.
“There will be free food, door prizes, and a plenty of great gifts,” Donna Ramsey, a member of the publicity committee, said.
In addition, attendees of the kickoff meeting will be able to sign up and start their own team at this kickoff meeting with the added benefit of not having to pay any team registration fee.
Since beginning in 2003, Relay for Life continues to take place year after year largely in order to honor cancer survivors and revere those who lost their lives to cancer. With nine years of Coppell Relay for Life completed, this year’s goal is to reach a grand total of $1 million.
“During the past nine years, we have raised almost $905,000 through the help of more than 5,000 Coppell residents that participate,” Russell-Chillag said. “We’ve also recognized and supported almost 500 local cancer survivors. For our 10th Relay in 2012, we aim to raise $100,000 and surpass the $1 million mark.”
Countless Coppell High School students have taken part in Relay for life in past years.
“I helped start a team last year for Relay for Life, and it was definitely a great experience,” junior Kiley Bratton said. “I’m really looking forward to going again this year.”
Everyone is encouraged to participate in a fight against a disease that has such harmful effects.
The first step in this year’s fight against cancer is attending the Nov. 15 rally at New Tech.
