Residents and cancer survivors are invited to a screening of the recently released movie, “The Jungle Book”, at Easton Premier Cinemas to kick off this year’s event for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Talbot County. The theme for this year, “Lights, Camera, Relay!” brings together families for a fun day that reminds participants their support is important for continued research to find a cure for all cancers and to fund support programs offered by the American Cancer Society.
The movie screening of “The Jungle Book” will take place on Tuesday, May 3 at 7 pm at Easton Premier Cinemas on Marlboro Road in Easton. For a small donation of $5 per person or $15 for a family up to five persons, attendees will be treated to a party size drink along with a party size popcorn, other concessions are available for a cost. The kickoff party is designed to provide information about Relay and to entice people to join in.
At the kickoff party, attendees will be greeted by Relay for Life décor and symbols of hope. Chairman for this year’s event, Michael Loftus, will provide details of this year’s relay and participants will be able to register for the event or purchase luminaria bags in memory or in honor of a survivor.
Relay for Life Talbot County is scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the Easton High School Practice Field next to the stadium. The Relay will begin at noon and end at 10 pm following the luminary ceremony, as opposed to an overnight event that was done in previous years. The daytime event encourages more participation from families and community members and the high school location provides a safe, level, and amply lit environment for participants, along with ease of access and parking.
Committee members are encouraging teams to select a movie theme for their costumes and table display.
While attendees say they look forward to the social aspect of Relay, they participate for a greater cause – to raise awareness of and funds needed for cancer research. But just as important, they walk to show their support to those affected by cancer. “It really does make a difference,” said Michael Loftus, Chairman of the event. “You see the results – you’re supporting people in our community that have cancer. Relay shows them they’re not alone.” “Relay helps families get through the hard times,” he said.
Michael has been participating in Relay for Life for 10 years. He relay’s in memory of many family members and friends he has lost from cancer. “I participate in Relay every year because cancer has personally affected my life along with the people around me and someday I want to see it end,” he said. “It’s a fun time and you raise a lot of money for a great cause. I would like to see more people get involved for such a great cause.”
American Cancer Society spokeswoman Julia Foxwell said the Relay for Life is a fun event where people can give something back to friends and loved ones. “It’s a safe place to come and remember people who lost their battle to cancer or come and celebrate people still with us today,” Foxwell said.
Foxwell’s personal experience with cancer started when she was 8 and her mom received her first breast cancer diagnosis. The disease continued to follow her around “like the villain in a cartoon” affecting classmates, friend, colleagues and even friend’s children. “I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the treatment of the disease and those who are living with it” said Foxwell.
The goal is to raise $35,000 to help cancer patients in the Talbot County area. To join or form a team, or to volunteer for the 2016 Relay for Life in Talbot County, visitwww.relayforlife.org/talbotmd or contact event chair Michael Loftus,443-239- 2842 or viaemail to [email protected]
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