On Oct. 6, 2012, at 10 a.m. the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Douglas will kick off with a special Survivor’s Lap, a moving experience honoring those who are battling cancer or defeated it. Survivors will join together to take Relay’s opening lap, unified in victory and hope, while the rest of the event’s participants surround the track to cheer them on.

Tony Cortez Rose (center) surrounded by his family Margaret and Michael Baldenegro, Johnny Bess and daughter Jackie Rose at a recent benefit at the Douglas Golf Course. Trisha Maldonado/Douglas Dispatch

This year’s event is being dedicated to Douglas resident, DUSD #27 employee and proud Bulldog Tony Cortez Rose.

Rose, who was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and currently undergoing treatment, stated he was humbled by this honor.

Many of us have been touched by cancer. The fight against this diseased is everybody’s battle. For the past 18 years the Douglas community has made an outstanding and important contribution to this fight by hosting Relay. The 2012 theme is “Rings of HOPE”. Teams will be decorating their campsites as different countries and activities will include “Olympic-like sports”.

What is Relay for Life? Relay is more than a walk around a track – it is a life changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to: celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. Relay is a community event that represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those fighting the disease will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Relay is an overnight celebration of life, dedicated to current and former cancer patients, their families, care givers and friends. Relay raised funds to fight cancer while raising awareness about cancer prevention and the programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society. While the Relay is underway, a community party atmosphere is created by team members camping out, enjoying entertainment, food, games and camaraderie.

If you are a cancer survivor and would like to participate in the survivor lap, please contact Alvina Hoyack, Survivor Chair, at (520) 364-5417. Survivors and teams may register at www.relayforlife.org/douglasaz.

The next Relay meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, at 6:30 P.M. at the Douglas Public Library Conference Room.

For more information or to participate, please call (520) 227-7125.