LAPLACE – On Jan. 6 at 7 pm at Belle Terre Country Club, dedicated individuals and teams will unite to begin planning St. John Parish’s involvement in the largest cancer fighting event in the nation. This unique phenomenon called the American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings the entire community together in hope, celebration and memory.

Relay For Life is changing the face of cancer across the country and world with over 4,200 communities participating during the 2004 season, raising more than $34.8 million for the fight against cancer. Within St. John Parish, a total of $140,000 was raised during 2004, marking a record in the parish’s eight-year involvement in the event.

In the United States, men have a one in two lifetime risk of developing cancer, and for women the risk is one in three. Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life allows communities to participate in this important cause by raising funds for cancer research and the development of new prevention and detection programs.

Relay For Life participants help the American Cancer Society continue to provide its expansive patient support programs and further its advocacy efforts.

Average citizens can be a part of the effort by attending the Relay For Life Kickoff party Thursday at Belle Terre Country Club. Involvement in the Relay For Life could help make cancer a thing of the past.

For more information about Relay For Life in St. John Parish call Bobbie or Shelly at 652-5672. For more information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or access 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.