Relay for Life plans kick-off event Thursday

IMLAY CITY — What can one person do? If it’s the right person at the right moment, quite a bit.

In 1985 one man walked around a track for 24 hours with supporters pledging funds to the American Cancer Society for the continuing research needed to reach a cure. That’s grown to Relay for Life with more than 4 million walkers at more than 6,000 events worldwide.

Lapeer County Relay for Life supporters will gather at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 200 North Cedar St., in Imlay City to kick off the 2012 event. While the walkers won’t gather on the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds until June 9, 55 participants have already formed 19 teams and raised $605, looking to meet or exceed the $135,000 44 teams raised last year.

For Yvonne Wilson, this year’s Lapeer County Relay for Life chairman, it’s more personal then ever. “Two more acquaintances of mine were recently diagnosed with cancer, and a cousin with stage four,” she said. “It just seems to go on and on, and at first I feel helpless to stop it. Then I remember that I am helping, at least in a small way, and you can too — by participating in and promoting the American Cancer Society’s annual signature event: Relay for Life.”

Walkers from St. Paul Lutheran Church of Imlay City lead the way last year bringing in more than $26,000, followed closely by Ray C’s of Lapeer and Tri- County Bank of Imlay City.

Following Thursday’s kick off meeting, team support meetings will continue monthly at the Imlay City United Methodist Church, 210 N. Almont Avenue.

For more information visit, www.relayforlife.org/index; type in Lapeer in the find an event box; and click on the event or call Kristy Cook at 810- 733-3702 or e-mail her at kristy.cook@cancer.org.

— Phil Foley