Did you know the 2012 American Cancer Society Crestview Relay for Life ranked 24th in Florida, raising over $150,000 to help in the fight against cancer.
Did you know cancer deaths are down 20 percent since 1991.
Did you know Okaloosa County ranked No. 1 per capita in the nation in fundraising for Relay For Life in 2012!
Did you know two in three people diagnosed with cancer today survive at least five years, thanks in part to the American Cancer Society.
Are the above facts related?
You bet they are. It takes dollars to fund research to help lower cancer deaths and increase survivability. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.
Here are some other ways ACS, Relay for Life and your donations help.
- Each year, an estimated 6,562 people on the Panhandle, and more than 113,400 people across Florida, will be diagnosed with cancer. The ACS is the only place they can turn 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- More than 310,000 Floridians, including about 38,144 people from the Panhandle, serve on boards and committees; educate our neighbors about cancer risk-reduction, detection and treatment; provide hope and support for patients and their families; and advocate to make cancer a government priority through Advocacy Days in Tallahassee. They also organize our signature fundraising events: Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, balls and galas.
- From 2010-2011 in donated money, 22.9 percent was spent on fundraising; 13 percent on prevention; 10.1 percent, detection; 4.2 percent, management; 27.8 percent, patient services; and 22 percent, research.
- Local cancer patients and their families received 9,536 services through our 24-7 toll-free phone line and Patient Services Center.
- In our area, 246 patients found support through Reach to Recovery for breast cancer and Man to Man for prostate cancer.
- 423 patients from our community received 3,513 transportation services to and from treatment.
- 75 patients from our area received free lodging at one of Florida's Hope Lodges while undergoing treatment.
- 35 local children and families received support through our Reaching out to Cancer Kids Program, or ROCK. 19 young cancer survivors attended college on a ROCK scholarship.
- Our research has led to a range of new detection methods, cutting-edge therapies and cancer drugs and improved treatment options. We have funded 46 scientists who went on to win the Nobel Prize.
- Residents of Florida are protected from secondhand smoke because of our efforts to pass a constitutional amendment.
- Since 1995, we've secured more than $825 million in legislative appropriations in support of the fight against cancer.
The 2013 Crestview Relay For Life will take place at Old Spanish Trail Park on April 26-27, starting at 6 p.m. We are recruiting teams and sponsors to take part. All cancer survivors are encouraged to participate.
To start a team, contact Disa Pettit at 797-6605.
For sponsorship opportunities, call 537-4654 or 603-3500.
To reach the Crestview chair, contact Krystal Jackson at 689-2115.
To reach an ACS staff partner, contact Brittany Wade at 244-3813 ext 3556.
