Local teams gearing up for Cancer Society’s June 18-19 Relay For Life
Published: May 23, 2005
When it comes to cancer research fundraisers, many businesses help out in a big way, but Hair by Carmen wants to be a cut above the rest with the “Cut for Life” marathon.
The event, to be held at Carmen Morrison’s Hair by Carmen, at 470 S. Locust St., on Wednesday, May 25, will raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
The Relay for Life McCullough-Hyde Hospital All Stars relay team organized the “Cut for Life” marathon fundraiser to give Oxford citizens a chance to get a haircut and blow dry with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society. From 3 to 6 p.m. clients will not need appointments, and the salon will have all of their stylists on-site. In past years, Hair by Carmen participated in the Relay for Life fundraiser through monetary donations, but this year they chose to do something more, and Morrison hopes the “Cut for Life” marathon will soon become an annual tradition.
“I thought it was for a good cause, and maybe people will get to know how good this money will go for the cause. We hope to get a big donation for the relay from this event here, and we will probably do this every year,” Morrison said.
There are two ways that clients can receive services at Hair by Carmen to benefit the cause. They can get a shampoo, haircut and blow dry for $35 or, donate 10 to 14 inches of their hair to “Locks of Love,” an organization that provides hairpieces from donated hair to children 18 years and younger who suffer from medical hair loss. Hair by Carmen has participated in the program for several years, and clients who wish to donate hair can do so at any time at the salon.
“We are donating our time and expertise for a very good cause. I do feel that people should be more aware of cancer around this area and know that the rate of cancer is really much higher than many people think. If we do make people aware of cancer, then they can benefit from the research that can be done to try and minimize the death and sickness of the people,” Morrison said.
This June will mark the sixth year that Relay for Life has been held in Oxford, but All Stars team captain and McCullough-Hyde Hospital Administrative Assistant Sylvia Moore believes this year will be the biggest celebration yet. Last year, Oxford’s Relay for Life earned $52,000 for the fight against cancer, and this year it looks to break the record.
Approximately 25 teams are registered for Oxford’s Relay for Life, to be held June 18 and 19 at Millett Hall on Miami University’s campus.
Teams are organized of business coworkers, friends, cancer survivors, churches and even community service groups and usually consist of 10 to 15 members. The Relay begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, and participants will walk as teams until 10 a.m. the next day.
Each team is responsible for holding individual fundraisers to earn donations for the event, and while some teams opt for fundraisers such as bake sales, raffles and donation requests to family and friends, the All Stars hope their “Cut for Life” marathon will be a success.
“Being in the health care field, I was aware of how cancer affects family,” said Moore, whose family was personally touched by the disease. “I saw the opportunity to raise money for cancer research and I decided to take it,” Moore said of the decision to organize the marathon.
With live bands, DJs and bake sales, Relay for Life is not only an event for the teams involved, but for all local citizens. The relay is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. Teams camp out and walk around a track.
Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relay teams raise much-needed funds as well as awareness. Moore hopes more teams will get the message out that the whole community is invited and encouraged to attend the event; the relay is a fundraiser for neighbors, friends and caretakers alike.
The 20-hour relay will commence with the lighting of luminaries to represent those who have lost the battle with cancer.
“Not only are we providing hope and spirit to those who are fighting cancer, but we are remembering those who we have lost,” Moore said of the relay’s purpose.
A Survivor Luncheon will be held before the relay, and an invitation to the event is extended to all cancer survivors, including those who are currently battling the disease. Survivors are guests of honor at the Survivor Reception/Luncheon and will receive a gift bag and lead the opening lap of the relay.
Relay for Life was started in Tacoma, Wash. in 1985 by surgeon Dr. Gordy Klatt and has grown into the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society with over three million participants nationwide.
“Relay for Life is an event that makes people aware that cancer is not just something short term, but it is a disease that people live with 24-7. This event is a celebration of life where the Oxford community comes together to fight cancer and earn money for research,” Moore said.
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