
Dr. Loan Lam kicks off the 2011 Relay for Life campaign at Stilts. Photo by Val Simon
According to Dr. Lam, the purpose of the evening was to fill several key campaign positions. The annual event, popular with residents and visitors alike, will be held April 30-May 1, 2011. Campaign chairs are hoping to move the event to the beach this year and are awaiting final city approval. “We have undertaken the careful planning of the event staging so there will be no impact to the beach,” Melissa indicated. “The set-up will be limited to a specific point at a designated time with one truck being used for off-beach storage. The course will be roped off and lit. Vegetated areas will also be roped off. Our purpose, in addition to fundraising, is to bring awareness of the many programs the ACS offers that benefit those on the road to recovery. The beach is a vital part of Marco Island and we hope to bring that element to this campaign.”
The 2011 Relay for Life’s theme

Judy Mayo and Cathy Nelson, long-time RFL supporters. Photo by Val Simon
In charge of planning entertainment for the 18-hour RLF event is Bailey Quinn. “I’ve been involved in RLF since I was in fifth grade at Tommie Barfield and it was held on the school grounds. I got my Dad involved too. I figured, since we’d be awake all night anyway, we might as well be doing something useful!” She has planned contests, music, fun and games, as well as a late movie on the beach, just to slow the event down prior to the quieter hours.
Marva Sutt and Judy Mayo were on hand giving personal testimonial to their experiences and why they continue their efforts each year. It is through passionate volunteers like this that efforts to promote the American Cancer Society, and to recognize the survivors of this terrible disease, continue.
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