Pike cancer walkathon planning begins

WESTFALL - The 2006 Relay for Life kicked off on Jan. 11 as teams prepared for the 24-hour walkathon fundraising event which will be held June 3 and 4 of this year at the Delaware Valley High School campus. As the Pike American Cancer Society’s largest benefit, the Relay plans to raise at least $80,000. The Delaware Valley Relay raised over $300,000 in the five years it has been hosted at the high school, $60,000 of which was raised last year. Sponsors say the entire community is invited to join hundreds of supporters who are expected to come. The Delaware Valley Relay for Life is the third largest Relay in participant size within the state of Pennsylvania. Harry Forbes, President of the Pike Unit of the American Cancer Society, encouraged participants last Wednesday to raise as much money as possible for the worthwhile cause. Forbes shared his own story of cancer survival, made possible by early detection, to stress the importance of awareness and prevention in the community at large. Funds are also necessary to aid in the treatment of those who presently have cancer. The American Cancer Society, which is run by a volunteer taskforce, offers a wide variety of services to help cancer patients. Event chairperson, Brett Fuchs, said that the goal of the event is to provide its participants with a fun and exciting time while also raising money for a good cause. To organize a team, offer monetary support, or for more information, please visit www.dvrelay.org.