By JANET McGREGOR
jmac_snippets@email.msn.com

Potato golf, hoola hoops and dancing were just a few activities on the agenda Friday night as cancer survivors and volunteers from all walks of life joined in the fight against cancer.

Sleep was one item that did not make it on the agenda for most participants in the 16-hour all-night Relay for Life fund-raiser.

The relay, the American Cancer Society's largest and most successful fund-raiser, attracted supporters from businesses, churches, schools and clubs to raise over $26,000.

Teams of ten or more from Peachtree National Bank, Counterpane School, Kedron Elementary School, Southland Nursing Home, Gold's Gym, Flat Rock Middle School and Powertel were just a few of the many participating in the walk. Walkers from the teams took turns walking around the track at Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone. Some team members camped out, others dropped in for a few hours, walking their laps and enjoying the activities.

Team members dressed up, decorated their camp sites and enjoyed music played by local disk jockey, Rick Carey. More than 300 participated in the event chaired by Norma Johnson, Peachtree National Bank. Johnson, a long-time cancer volunteer and cancer survivor, has chaired the event for the past three years.

The event kicked off Friday at 8 p.m. with a “victory lap” around the track by about 80 cancer survivors. After taking the first lap around the track, the survivors were treated to a much-appreciated sit-down dinner courtesy of Fayette Community Hospital. The hospital also gave away door prizes to cancer survivors.

At 10 p.m. a special luminary ceremony took place. Candles inside bags were lit in honor of cancer survivors or in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. The candles burned through the night around the track in tribute to the many who have been touched by cancer.

During the ending ceremonies at noon Saturday, awards were given for various achievements. Regions Bank was the top fund-raiser with close to $5,000. Racers for the Cure won an award for Best Camp Site.

Many contributed long hours to make the event a success. Janet Beebe coordinated the cancer survivors, Stephen Ott was in charge of the luminaries, Robyn Smith served as the publicity chairman, Diana Jones coordinated entertainment, Jim O'Hara was in charge of education and Elisa Hooker served as secretary as well as chairing a team.

Many did double-duty, helping with the organization of the relay and chairing teams. Others who helped considerably were Betty Derrickson, Jennifer Bridgeman, Jennifer Cole, David Johnson and Leslie Hassell.

Money raised from the event is used to support the American Cancer Society's programs of research, cancer control and patient assistance. Many cancer survivors and those currently challenged by cancer in Fayette County have benefited from ACS programs.

For information on local efforts, volunteer opportunities and support groups, phone the local American Cancer Society office at 770-460-8920 or phone 1-800-ACS-2345.