There are not enough ways to say thank you to the many volunteers and members of the community who recently made this year's American Cancer Society Relay for Life event a tremendous success. Relay for Life supporters are -- in my opinion -- the true heroes in the war on cancer.

This year more than $108,000 was raised through your generous donations and the hard work of the Relay for Life team members. One can only wonder what cures lie ahead as a result of the money this community and the 3,000 other Relay communities nationwide have raised. You can be certain that any effort, no matter its size, is not in vain. Whether you raised $100 or $1,000, your effort makes a difference to a cancer patient and to the search for a cure.

The American Cancer Society is committed to significantly increasing the number of lives saved from cancer, as well as the number of people who remain cancer-free. The funds raised at Relay for Life not only support vital life-saving research, but also provide service programs for patients and their families. In addition, the American Cancer Society offers the most up-to-date cancer information 24-hours, 365 days a year. This community service is available by calling 1-800-ACS-2345 or by visiting the American Cancer Society web site at www.cancer.org.

There are 8.9 million Americans alive today with a history of cancer, and on behalf of those survivors and the many cancer patients who rely on your support of Relay for Life, thank you! You've shown that the Relay is truly "about being a community that takes up the fight."

Sincerely,

Dennis Cook

American Cancer Society

Mid-South Division, Inc.