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Locals prep for Relay

The American Cancer Society of Fayette County’s 2005 Relay For Life Kick-Off Celebration was held in Tyrone at the new Glendalough Manor Jan. 11.

While guests feasted on a beautiful three-layer cake that was baked, decorated and donated by Diane Patenaude of Dream Cakes LLC, outstanding participants of the 2004 Relay For Life were acknowledged and awarded. Fayette County Schools Deputy Superintendent Fred Oliver accepted an award for Excellent School Support on behalf of School Superintendent Dr. John D. DeCotis.

At the 2004 Relay For Life Fayette County school teams raised and donated $120,000 to the American Cancer Society. Relay Chairperson Cathy Gailey challenged the school system to increase their 2005 Relay activity to 100 percent school participation. Delta Air Lines was acknowledged for its $82,000 team earnings and donation in 2004.

A unique award, presented by Sheri Waynick (American Cancer Society community income manager for Fayette County), went to Sandy Creek High School student Sean Healey. Last year Healey organized a team of friends and family members called The Honey Bunnies. His team name comes from a nickname Sean’s dad had for his wife and Sean’s mother, Peggy, who died of breast cancer Nov. 7, 2003. In honor and memory of his mom, Healey’s team raised $3,000 to help fight cancer and to assist in finding a cure. His enthusiasm and resolve have driven him to even greater participation this year. He has accepted the role of Relay For Life youth chairperson, responsible for coordinating enrollment of young people.

Upon receiving his award Healey spoke eloquently and emotionally of his mother's struggle with cancer. He humorously recounted how she survived long enough to celebrate her birthday, typically a month-long celebration for her. Eventually, her illness won out and as the end of her life neared her son realized how beautifully his mother had fought the battle against cancer and with great pride.

"My mom had never looked more beautiful in her life," Healey said. Healey has chosen to relay again this year for all of the beautiful people, those who are fighting the cancer battle, those who've already lost the battle, and for those who've yet begun the fight.

The 2005 Relay For Life will start Friday, May 6, at dusk and conclude at sunrise the next morning. The event will be held at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds in Fayetteville. If you would like to join Healey and The Honey Bunnies, by forming your own Relay For Life team, or if you are a cancer survivor, please contact Sheri Waynick at 770-460-8920.