Make plans to participate in Relay For Life of Ritzville in 2012

Jen Kronvall from the American Cancer Society spoke at the Chamber of Commerce General Membership meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17, to discuss the upcoming 2012 Relay For Life of Ritzville event. The Relay For Life of Ritzville event will continue to be hosted at the high school track as it has for the last five years and with the money raised going to the American Cancer Society. During those past five events, the Ritzville community has been able to raise around $183,000 for cancer research.

Last year alone, the Ritzville community raised $24,000 at the Relay for Life. The goal for this year: raise the same amount, but involve even more people.

The money raised at the event helps support funding for cancer research and create various programs to assist those struggling with cancer. ACS has provided many programs that the people of Adams County have already started using.

Out of the programs available, lodging is the most popular service used by Adams County residents. The lodging service allows patients to have free lodging while they are having cancer treatments in cities such as Kennewick or Spokane to help reduce the stress of long distance travel.

Another service used by Adams County residents has been gift items. These items usually consist of wigs, scarves and hats given to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The last Relay For Life took place during the middle of harvest season in August, but one of the main changes for the 2012 relay is that it will be held on July 13-14. With this change, more people will be able to have the option to attend.

ACS encourages all community members to start or join a team. Kronvall said that a team usually consists of 10-15 members but there will be no team turned away, even if there are only two members. Relay For Life is an event to help support those whose lives have been affected by cancer, and to help show those who are struggling with cancer that there is hope.

While ACS is hosting Relay For Life of Ritzville, it is not their event; it is the community’s event. It is a time for Ritzville, Lind and surrounding communities to unite and help fight against something that has deeply affected each neighborhood.

The Relay For Life of Ritzville is a community event, meaning every person regardless of age can participate. Students are encouraged to start teams through their schools. Sports teams, clubs and each individual grade level are already one step towards having a formed team.

Local businesses and clubs can do the same, and once a team has been started, encourage other community members to join. The more people that attend, the greater the impact will be.

“It’s a community fight, and if we bring in the whole community it will be even more important and add to the experience,” said Kronvall. The Relay For Life of Ritzville will be a celebration for every member of the community who has ever fought cancer and be a display of just how many people can fight against cancer.

The Relay For Life of Ritzville committee will host their meetings at the Best Western on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. starting on Jan. 2. The committee still has seven positions open. Any individuals interested in joining the committee can contact Jen Kronvall at (509) 242-8303 or [email protected].

For those individuals or groups interested in joining the Relay for Life of Ritzville, simply go to the ACS website or find the link on the Ritzville Adams County Journal website.