Support Relay

Editor,

I urge Mission Valley residents to support the Relay for Life event scheduled for Aug. 13 and 14 at the Polson Sports complex. The annual Relay for Life is a fun-filled fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Local teams compete throughout the day and night to show their spirit and fundraising skills and to honor those who have had their lives changed by cancer.

The American Cancer Society provides a variety of local support programs for victims of cancer as well as providing critical financial assistance for cancer research.

Your tax-deductible donations help cancer victims find transportation to medical appointments; supply wigs and image assistance through local beauticians; support patients through peer programs; provide individual monetary grants for medical expenses; answer individuals' questions by telephone and through a web site; and more.

Your donation dollars are used to fund research to find a cure for cancer. Many advances have already been made. Many more are on the horizon. Any person who believes that funding cancer research has no local benefit need only look to the faces of our loved ones and neighbors who have been affected by cancer. When a cure is found, I'll be proud that my donations have helped.

Local businesses have provided teams and financial support for the Relay. Please support these community-minded merchants. Attend the Relay itself and watch the games and competitions and the inspirational Luminaria Ceremony that honors those who have fought and won — or lost — their battle with cancer. Contact a Relay team member to buy a $5 luminaria in order to honor someone you know who has had a cancer diagnosis. Form a team of friends, family, and/or co-workers for next year's Relay. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to the American Cancer Society.

Linda Cox

Polson