Who would have thought a small community like Christopher Creek would be able to raise over $2,500 for the Relay For Life cancer prevention fund-raiser held this past June? Well, they did, thanks to the efforts of team captain Mikey Marazza and the "Christopher Creek Characters." The team consisted of Mikey, Frank, and Frankie Jo Marazza, George and Doris Billings, Susan and Jeff Ronn, along with their sons Daniel and Michael, Sam Conklin, Bob Schilling, and Sally Tharp.

The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. More than 100 million dollars was raised throughout the country last year. The event resembles a slumber party for the whole community with tents, food booths, costumes, clowns, balloons, etc. From a Pajama Parade in the wee hours of the morning, to a Tent Decorating Contest, the event is fun for all ages.

The most touching event is the Luminaria Ceremony that is held Friday evening to honor survivors and remember those who lost the battle against cancer. Led by survivors, and lit only by the glow of luminarias, the track becomes the common ground for all team members and visitors to gather and witness this heart-warming experience.

This year's event was held at Payson High School, and consisted of 27 teams, each made up of 8 to 15 people. Ann Riehle, the Event Coordinator, estimated well over 2,000 people attended this year, and she expects the event next year will break records, not only in attendance, but the number of teams entered. Ann also hopes to beat the $44,992.59 amount that was raised this year. This event is close to Ann's heart, as her Mom, her husband, and her daughter have been cancer victims.

The Relay For Life was started in Tacoma, WA in 1985 when Dr. Gordi Klatt ran and walked solo around the track at the University of Puget Sound for 24 hours, raising more than $27,000 for the fight against cancer. What started as one man's dream is now an event taking place in over 2100 communities across this country as well as in Puerto Rico and Guam. The event is raising millions of dollars to fund life-saving programs of research, education, advocacy and service - over $120 million in 1999!

This year's event had teams from all parts of Rim Country: Christopher Creek, Pine, Strawberry and Payson. The event is a perfect example of the essence of the Rim Country - people and small communities that come together as one, to make this a better world for people in need. Participation is open to everyone, the proof being that one survivor at this year's event was a loving pet.

Let me leave you with a couple of suggestions - take part in next year's American Cancer Society Relay for Life fund raising event, whether you live here in Arizona, or in any of the thousands of other communities across the country where there are Relay for Life programs. Also, take time to have a yearly checkup, without fail. Early detection is a very important factor in the fight against cancer. Ultimately, it's your life.