Please support Relay for Life

Do you not know someone affected by the second leading cause of death in California: cancer? Cancer affects one in two men and one in three women and is the leading cause of death between the ages of 0 and 14 years. In 2006, about 136,875 Californians will be diagnosed as having cancer. This is equivalent to more than 15 new cases every hour of every day. In 2006, over 54,000 people will die as a result of cancer — about 150 people a day. Of every four deaths in California, one is from cancer.

Why should these facts be important to you? Because chances are someone you know or love will be touched by cancer. The diagnosis of cancer can be devastating not only to the individual but also to all who know and love that person. A cancer diagnosis not only results in a loss of health but also a loss of the ability to provide for loved ones and the ultimate loss — the loss of life.

How can you help stop this devastation? Follow the lead of several Fallbrook High School students and get involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. There are many ways to become involved, such as being on the planning committee, volunteering for the day of the event, being a team captain or honoring loved ones affected by cancer with a Luminaria tribute.

Relay for Life is a phenomenal event in which teams commit to have someone walking for 24 hours toward a cure for a disease that never sleeps. The donations raised provide the American Cancer Society with much-needed funds for cancer research, education, prevention and patient services.

Funding for cancer research, programs and education is assisting us to win the war against cancer. From 2002 to 2003 we experienced the first decrease in cancer-related deaths in 70 years. Through energy, passion and commitment we can help in achieving further decreases in cancer-related deaths, as well as minimize the pain and suffering that cancer patients and their families have to endure.

The fight against cancer is everyone’s battle. Our community is not immune to this dreadful disease. Our community has an outstanding opportunity to make an important contribution to this fight and I appeal to everyone to please get involved. With your help we can make a difference! Please support Relay for Life of Fallbrook taking place on June 17 and 18 at the Fallbrook High School.

For more information or to volunteer please contact Leslie Roman at (951) 300-1221 or at [email protected].