WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer survivors, volunteers and advocates representing five continents will gather in Washington, D.C. tonight to participate in an historic International Relay For Life(R) demonstration during the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) World Cancer Congress 2006. The event is a powerful visual display of the activities, spirit and emotion of Relay For Life, a community-based movement that takes place year- round in cities and towns around the world. These events offer people an opportunity to personally fight cancer by forming teams to walk, run or otherwise move around a track as a way to demonstrate their resolve to raise awareness and funds to eliminate cancer.
“Cancer affects people of every age, race and ethnicity,” said Vitoria Herzberg, president of the Brazilian Cancer Association (Associacao Brasileira do Cancer), which is scheduled to hold its first Relay For Life in November 2006. As the mother of an 18-year-old son who lost his battle with cancer, Ms. Herzberg has a personal interest in launching Relay in her country. “I am excited to show the world how Relay unites and empowers survivors, caregivers and communities. In Brazil, it is very important for cancer survivors to understand that they are not alone, and we expect our Relay events to educate the public, recruit year-long volunteers and raise funds to fight cancer. Coming together in Washington, D.C. during the UICC World Cancer Congress will help all Relay nations learn and gain strength from each other.”
The International Relay For Life demonstration will provide global health conference attendees the opportunity to observe and participate firsthand in Relay For Life activities. Participants also will celebrate the growing global Relay For Life phenomenon, as Relays are now being held in 24 countries around the world. Tents from North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Africa will highlight Relays across the globe and feature videos and materials from participating countries. Attendees will share their common experiences with volunteers and staff from global cancer leagues as well as with team members and volunteers from U.S. Relay events. Key activities at the International Relay demonstration include survivor and caregiver tributes, a luminaria ceremony where lit candles are placed in paper bags in memory or honor of loved ones, a survivors lap and sample fundraising events. International food stations, live music, entertainment and activities also will be featured throughout the evening.
“Cancer in the developing world already kills more people than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. If current trends continue, 16 million people worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. We cannot just stand by and let that happen -- we must band together to prevent this human tragedy,” said John R. Seffrin, PhD, immediate past president of the International Union Against Cancer and CEO of the American Cancer Society. “Cancer control organizations around the world look to the American Cancer Society for our expertise, and this event provides an opportunity to share how cancer organizations around the globe can use events like International Relay For Life to engage advocates in the fight against cancer.”
Relay For Life, started by the American Cancer Society in 1985, is a fun- filled overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. This signature activity of the American Cancer Society is the most successful volunteer-led fundraising and awareness event in the world. More than three million people, about one in 100 Americans, will take part in Relays this year. Relay For Life benefits communities by uniting survivors and caregivers; saving lives through funds raised for research, early detection and prevention education; providing cancer control programs and services; and empowering people to fight back against cancer.
The 2006 World Cancer Congress is hosted by the American Cancer Society and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) July 8-12, and will be followed immediately by the 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health, also hosted by the American Cancer Society, July 12-15 in Washington, D.C. This week marks the first time both events have ever been held back-to-back in the same city.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS- 2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org.
American Cancer Society
CONTACT: Laura Bellinger of American Cancer Society, cell:+1-404-964-3895; or Bobbi Williams of Porter Novelli, +1-202-973-3656,cell: +1-202-277-4102, for American Cancer Society
Web site: http://www.cancer.org/
