About 1,000 people participated in this year's Howard County's Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event, at Hammond High School on June 6 and 7. Participants at this overnight event included high school groups, youth groups, service clubs, churches, local businesses, government, families and friends. As of the end of the Relay, $222,000 had been raised. We hope to increase this total. Donations can be accepted through Aug. 31.

A reception sponsored by Putting on the Ritz attracted 274 survivors. As in previous years, the event featured a Survivors' Lap, a Kids' Walk, a ceremony in which 1,700 luminaria were lit at dark and a silent auction. New events included ultrarunner Melissa Simmens, who ran for 12 consecutive hours during Relay to support the event; the Extreme Relayer Club, where team members who raised at least $500 walked at least 20 minutes of every hour during the event; and Spirit Laps designed to keep Relayers active long after the sun went down.

Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated. Monies from the event are used to support patient services, educational programs, research and advocacy programs.

Thanks to the hundreds of people who supported the Relay.

Meaghan Kordusky

Arbutus

Meaghan Kordusky chaired the 2008 Howard County Relay For Life.

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