Relay for Life sign-ups still open

There’s still time to sign up for this year’s Relay for Life.

The annual event raises money to help the American Cancer Society with cancer research, prevention, education and patient services.

The event, which will be held May 2-3 at Ned Houk Park, “honors cancer survivors and reminds our community that we can fight cancer,” said Rebecca Holt, co-chair for the relay event.

“It gives people a sense of power,” said Melissa Crowe, co-chair for the event. “It makes them feel like they can get involved and do something.”

Forty-four teams have signed up so far, she said. The deadline to sign up and be guaranteed an event T-shirt is Monday. Those interested can sign up beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Master’s Centre conference room, 810 E. 21st St.

Team members raise money through the sale of luminarias at $5 and of moon and star placards, which can be purchased in memory of someone lost to cancer, in honor of someone still fighting cancer or in recognition of someone who has survived the disease, Holt said.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. May 2. “It’s held at night because cancer never sleeps,” Holt said. And the relay is held regardless of the weather. Many teams camp out during the event.

“Cancer affects everybody,” Crowe said. Her mother is a breast cancer survivor and a good friend died of cancer several years ago.

“Cancer is unpredictable. It can affect anybody,” she said. “I’d like to see a cure before my children are old enough to have problems.”

Eighty-eight teams participated and raised more than $100,000 in last year’s relay, which Holt said is the biggest to date.

“Without the community, this would not be possible,” Holt said. “I think cancer is hitting more and more at home for people.”

“It’s not a race. Everybody can participate,” Holt said.

Crowe said team membership isn’t necessary to participate.

This will be the 13th year of Relay for Life in Clovis. This year’s goal is $100,000, Holt said.

Registration forms are available at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, 105 E. Grand.

More information is available by calling Holt at 762-9492 or Melissa Crowe at 763-2261.

Sign-up info

The American Cancer Society is looking for 300-400 volunteers to participate in a long-term cancer study, called CPS-3. Those interested can sign up from 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 2 at the Clovis Relay for Life.
Volunteers should be ages 30-65 and have no personal history of cancer.
Participants will be asked to:
• Complete a brief written survey
• Provide a waist measurement
• Give a small blood sample
• Complete a more detailed survey at home
• Participate in follow-up phone surveys