Contributed
The 2014 Relay For Life Kick Off Celebration was held  recently at Dillon Wellness Center.  The 2014 Relay will be held at Dillon Christian School, May 30th at 6:00 pm through May 31 at 6:00 am.
The theme this year is “The Magic of Relay. The Goal this year is $68,000. Those in attendance shared a time of fellowship and were treated to dinner which was provided by The Whistle Stop Cafe.  Monique Lewis, with the American Cancer Society welcomed everyone.  Monique is now partnering with Dillon County on behalf of the ACS.  Chairperson for the event is Melissa Thompson.

 Laura ‘Sam’ Caulder shared what Relay means to her.  It’s about many individuals coming together for a common cause, and working in unity to be successful.

 It’s about working together to raise money for research, education and patient services.  It’s also about coming out and being a part of the community that supports those who are currently battling cancer, survivors, and family members who have walked that road with a loved one, or are walking it now.  She also answered one of the most frequently asked questions:  Why all night?  The answer:  Because cancer never sleeps.  Cancer patients fight 24 hours a day.
Carolyn Proctor, a cancer survivor, shared information about her stay at Hope Lodge in Charleston during her treatments.  It is a facility operated by the American Cancer Society, and funded totally by donations.

 Patients, along with a caregiver, are allowed to live there during their treatments, with no cost to them.  It’s as close as you can get to being at home, when you’re that  far away from home.  Watch the Herald for further information on Hope Lodge.
There will be a Relay Team Rally, Tuesday, February 11 5:30 pm at The Dillon Wellness Center in the multi-purpose room.  If you are interested in starting a team, or being part of a team, please join us there.