County raises $125K for ACS

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Franklin County Relay for Life Committee announced Friday that the bank night numbers were at $125,000.
American Cancer Society Volunteer Coordinator Beth Faulkner said this year's goal was $130,000 but she is confident that once the final numbers are in, the goal will be reached.
"We sell a lot of luminaries on site, and a number of the teams did on site fundraising this year," Faulkner said. "I am confident once the final numbers are in, Franklin County will have met our goal."
Faulkner said she has heard from one other Relay and the numbers were good there as well.
"The economy has not affected the way people are giving," Faulkner said. "We need to raise as much money as possible now more than ever because of the needs of cancer patients."
Faulkner said she was concerned about this year's Relay season in the beginning, but now feels encouraged by people's continued generosity.
"People are still giving because they know we need a cure for cancer," Faulkner said.
Besides going to fund cancer research, the money raised at the Relay for Life goes to fund programs for cancer patients. Programs such as Look Good, Feel Better; Road to Recovery; Hope Lodge, and Man to Man, a support group for men.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.
There are many types of cancer, but all cancers start with a single abnormal cell. Abnormal cells multiply quickly. They spread to other parts of the body, invading healthy body tissue and organs.
Almost half of all cancer deaths can be prevented with early detection and treatment.