The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Douglas will kick off their event with a special Survivor’s Lap on Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. at the Douglas High School baseball field.

Relay for Life is an overnight celebration of life, dedicated to current and former cancer patients, their families, care givers and friends. The Relay raises funds to fight cancer while raising awareness about cancer prevention and the programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society.

While the Relay is underway, a community party atmosphere is created by team members camping out, enjoying entertainment, food, games and camaraderie.

This year’s dedicatees will be Tony Cortez Rose and Anna Greenberg.

Rose, was diagnosed with cancer in July and passed away on Sept. 27.

“When my sister called to tell me Tony had passed, I was sad but realized that Tony had been called home because God needed another player on his all-star team” Douglas Relay for Life Coordinator, Cornelia Munoz said.

Greenberg is the staff partner assigned to Douglas. Last year while counting money the night of Relay, she mentioned a lump on her thigh.

She went to the doctor a couple of weeks later and was diagnosed with a form of sarcoma, underwent surgery and began radiation immediately.

While undergoing chemotherapy, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her lung; surgery and more treatment followed.

Last week, after experiencing a massive headache and vision loss, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her brain. Greenberg underwent surgery and is currently in ICU recuperating.

“My walk (this) weekend will be dedicated to Tony's memory, to honor the fight Anna has given and for all survivors everywhere,” Munoz said. “We will hope big and relay bigger so that one day none of Tony's family or any other families will ever hear the words ‘you have cancer’.”

This year’s theme will be “Rings of Hope” coinciding with the 2012 Olympics.

“We need to celebrate the lives of survivors; remember those who have lost their battle but more importantly to fight back for a cure,” Munoz said.

If you are a cancer survivor and would like to participate in the survivor lap, please contact Alvina Hoyack, Survivor Chair, at (520) 364-5417. Survivors and teams may register at www.relayforlife.org/douglasaz.

The next Relay meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Douglas Public Library Conference Room.

For more information or to participate, call (520) 227-7125.