Relay ribbons Members of the Staples Area Bosom Buddies (Breast Cancer) Support Group met recently at Lakewood Health System, Staples, to make ribbons for the 'Relay for Life' event June 5. The women Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs made over 100 ribbons (the theme for 2009 is 'Hope'), which will be handed out at the survivor's picnic held prior to the relay event. Thirteen teams are scheduled to participate. Hundreds of people are expected to walk the Staples Elementary School track June 5, as part of the annual "Relay for Life" event in the fight against cancer.

"This is always a special night," said Barb Peterson, member of the Staples Area Bosom Buddies (Breast Cancer) Support Group; and a committee member of the Relay for Life event. "There's a lot on the agenda again this year and we're hoping a lot of people will stop by." There are 13 teams participating in the relay, including the Bosom Buddies, Barb said.

Led by Joanne Forsberg, the Bosom Buddies (approximately 21 members) have been busy preparing for the event June 5; and recently made over 100 ribbons which will be worn by the cancer survivors.

"We'll be handing these out at the 'Survivor's Picnic,'" Barb said.

The picnic, sponsored by Lakewood Health System, will be held at the SES gymnasium prior to the relay event.

"It includes a catered meal and we've invited all cancer survivors and their caregivers," Barb commented. "We're hoping that by having the picnic the same night, more people will be able to come to the relay itself."

Relay for Life activities include an honor ceremony, survivor's march, relay teams, luminaries, music, games, food, silent auction and live auction.

It's a very meaningful event, Barb said. "And there's a reason we Relay," she added, reading from a postcard provided by the American Cancer Society. "Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back," was the message Barb shared.

o Celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue their fight.

o Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside others battling cancer can grieve and find healing.

o Fight Back. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease. Make a commitment to save lives by taking up the fight.

For more information about the Relay for Life event, call Barb Peterson at 218-894-2627.