McDONOUGH — More than 150 teams raised thousands of dollars in the battle against cancer Friday at the Henry County Relay for Life at Union Grove High School.
Piedmont Henry Hospital was the presenting sponsor for the event and Piedmont’s CEO Jeff Cooper was on-hand to jump start the walk.
“This is one of the largest events in Henry County and we are proud to be a part of it,” Cooper said as he thanked the participants, teams, sponsors and attendees for their support of Relay For Life.
In addition to Piedmont Henry other major sponsors included Shane’s Rib Shack, Henry Daily Herald, Fun Galaxy McDonough, McDonough Center for Family Dentistry, Uncharted Creativity, Georgia Power, Troy Logistics, Fillet of Chicken, Waste Industries, All Star Trophy and A&S Paving.
Among the 150 teams was Team Miss Georgia United States. Relay For Life is the national platform for Miss United States and Henry County’s Amy Brady, after winning the title this year, assembled the relay team, posed for photographs with attendees, sold cookies to raise funds and even tried the hula hoop competition.
The relay began with the poignant Survivors Lap where those who have survived after having been diagnosed with some form of cancer, walked together around the track together in celebration of their victories over the challenges they face.
Among the most moving parts of the evening was the Luminaria Display. Prior to the event teams collected luminaria donations – with the team raising the most winning a pizza and dessert party.
The luminaria bags were lit and lined the track in honor of family and friends who battled cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 13 million people are living in the United States with some history of cancer. ACS says some of these individuals are cancer free, while others are still battling some form of the disease.
The organization estimates 1,665,540 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed this year alone.
The society also says more than half a million Americans will die of cancer this year, which means more than 1,500 people will die each day.
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in our country and accounts for around one out of every four deaths.The leading cause of death is heart disease.
Research, specifically the search for cures of all types of cancer, is at the epicenter of the American Cancer Society’s mission.
In fact, ACS says that no other organization has invested more in cancer research than it has over the past 65 years.
The American Cancer Society says that each year it funds a select group of researchers, doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals to support in the fight against cancer.
Recently, ACS awarded a total of $42,899,000 to 103 scientists and health professionals across the country.
The recipients work across all areas of cancer research. The American Cancer Society said when making the announcements, the research ranges “from investigating the way specific genetic mutations work to testing new methods and policies to help all populations gain equal access to the best cancer care.”
The American Cancer Society describes itself as “a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.”
The society is headquartered in Atlanta, and has regional and local offices throughout the United States with 11 geographical divisions and it signature fundraising event each year is the Relay For Life held in community all across the United States.
The Henry County Relay is among the largest in the region.
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