Relay planning begins Tuesday

The first organizational meeting for the 2006 St. Francois County Relay For Life will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the North College Center at Mineral Area College.

Carolyn Tyler is the chairman for the Relay, which will celebrate its 10th year in the county this year. Last year, more than $159,500 was raised.

&#8220The people of St. Francois County have always been very responsive to it,” said Tyler, who has been a part of the event for seven years. &#8220I’m hoping we can raise at least as much as we did last year.”

The money goes to support American Cancer Society services and funding for a cure.

The organizational meeting will bring together a committee of about 12-15 people to plan the event. Tyler said anyone who is interested in being part of the group is welcome to the committee meeting or to contact her at 358-5407 or via e-mail at Caroline.Tyler@sbcglobal.net.

&#8220We’re going to try to do some different things this year,” said Tyler. &#8220I have some ideas and I’d be interested to hear what anyone else wants to suggest.”

She began her association with the event as a member of the License to Cut Cancer Team. It has consistently been a top fund-raiser.

Since 1997, the night-long Relay has brought together teams from throughout the Parkland who walk a track to celebrate life. They raise money for months before the event. It’s designed to create an awareness of cancer and how to prevent it as well as to honor cancer survivors.

This year’s Relay is set for MAC on July 28-29.