President Meehan Urges Participants
to Register for Relay for Life

By Randy Wilson
JSU News Bureau

Dr. Bill Meehan, the president of Jacksonville State University, invites all faculty, staff and students to join in the fight against cancer by becoming a member of the team that will represent JSU while participating in the local American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The deadline for joining the team is February 9, 2006.

”Not only is the Relay for Life a very worthy endeavor that supports the fight against cancer, but it is also a time for fostering community awareness not to mention a lot of fun.” said Dr. Meehan. “I encourage everyone that is able to participate in this event.”

Relay for Life is a community gathering, rather than an athletic event, and anyone and everyone at all levels of fitness can participate. It is a fun-filled all-night relay event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs. Teams are often formed between friends, family and coworkers.

During the event, teams consisting of ten members take turns walking around the track in a relay format. Each team attempts to have at least one member on the track at all times.

"Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity and is the largest community fund raiser in the world," said Mrs. Martha Mitchell, director of admissions at JSU. "It is a unique event that offers everyone in our community the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer."

The 2006 Relay for Life will be held at Oxford High School stadium on Friday, May 12, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be many fun activities for team members and their families.

According to Mrs. Venita Toney, secretary to the vice-president of information technology, being a team member does not mean that you are required to go to the county-wide Relay for Life event, but team members are encouraged to do so. By signing up as a team member you are committing to raising $100.

”Last year when the individual totals were added together our team raised over $11,000.00 for the American Cancer Society,” said Toney. “Just knowing you were a part of this [event] is a great feeling.”

The major theme of this year’s team will be a raffle. Each team member gets credit for the number of tickets they sell, which applies to their individual total. Individuals may also have their own project to raise money.

"Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated," said Mitchell. "We want to continue the tradition of outstanding support for JSU's Relay for Life."

A team from JSU has participated in the event for five consecutive years. All team members will receive a free tee shirt for participating.

However, if you are unable to participate in this year’s event, donations are being accepted.

For more information about becoming a team member or to make a donation, contact Mrs. Martha Mitchell in the Office of Admissions (782-5363) or Mrs. Venita Toney in the Computer Center (782-8201).

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