Features Editor

In years past, the first day of May was the day for dancing around the May pole or taking May baskets filled with flowers to family and friends.

In other counties, that may still hold true, but in Pike County May 1 begins the countdown to "Relay."

Since Relay for Life became a part of Pike County’s fund raising efforts for the American Cancer Society in 1995, May 1 is the day Relay teams make the turn toward the homestretch with a blitz of fundraisers for this very worthwhile cause.

Relay for Life 2001 is set for Friday, May 18 from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. on the Troy State University band/soccer practice field.

Donna Schubert, team recruitment chairperson, said excitement is building as teams race toward their individual goals and the collective goal of $150,000.

"Pike County’s 2001 Relay goal can go a long way in funding research for new and better cancer prevention and treatments along with providing programs and services," Schubert said. "One day, the battle against cancer will be won because teams and individuals work to save the lives and spirits of others. It’s up to us to fight this battle and, from all indications, the Pike County Relay teams are up to the task."

Schubert said between 45 and 50 teams are gearing up for the final push before the Relay for Life event on May 18.

"Some of the teams have been working for months toward reaching their individual goals, " she said. "Several of the teams have already made their goals but are continuing their fund raising efforts."

Several new teams have joined Relay this year and several seasoned teams are adding new twists to their fund raising efforts.

Among the new teams are the National Association of Campus Card Users, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Byrd Drug and Collegedale Church of Christ. Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at Troy State is back as a team, as is Wal-Mart.

"We are proud to see new teams joining the fight and to see teams reorganizing to be a part of Relay again," Schubert said. "Troy State is one of the teams that have come up with new fundraisers."

The Trojan Horse is making is away around campus at $10 a clip – or "clop." And, Beeline Stores are recognizing customer donations with signature Relay logo displays.

The friendly competition that exists between teams means more money with which to the fight the battle against cancer.

Entering the final stretch of Relay for Life, the competition tightens as teams make their final bids to be the top fundraisers in several categories for 2001.

Schubert said the majority of funds raised will be turned in Bank Night at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 17, but money will continue to come in during the Relay for Life event.

As the race toward the finish line begins, Schubert said teams and individuals are asked to give a 100 percent for Relay.

To win the fight against cancer, it will take an all-out 100 percent effort from everyone involved. 99.9 percent just won’t be good enough for Relay for Life just as it’s not good enough in other aspects of life.

Schubert said if 99.9 percent is good enough … then:

· 12 newborn babies will be give to the wrong parents daily.

· 114,500 mismatched pairs of shoes will be shipped a year.

· 18,322 pieces of mail will be mishandled each hour.

· 2,000,000 documents will be lost by the IRS this year.

· 315 entries in Webster’s Dictionary will be misspelled.

· 5.5 million cases of soft drinks produced will be flat.

The consequences of giving only 99.9 percent to Relay for Life will be much more devastating. I could mean the difference between life and death.

Schubert asks for a 100 percent effort from all teams and individual involved in the fund raising efforts so that the Pike

County Relay for Life campaign will reach 100 percent of its $150,000 goal. Only that will be good enough.