American cancer society relay for life

Relay For Life changing venue; American Cancer Society event will be;

One hundred-degree temperatures, vacation conflicts and city noise ordinances are all good reasons for moving Kootenai County's Relay For Life celebration and fund-raiser to a new date and venue this year.

The annual American Cancer Society event will be held May 13 and 14 at the Greyhound Park and Event Center in Post Falls. Heidi Cornman, the new chairperson, believes that indoor plumbing, easy access to tables and chairs and no noise restrictions will make the festivities better than ever.

"Relay For Life is an 18- to 24-hour nonstop event because cancer is nonstop," she said.

In past years, local high school tracks have provided an adequate backdrop for the event, but Cornman appreciates the extra perks that the Greyhound Park can offer.

Moving the date from July will cut down on dehydration risks to older participants and capitalize on schools still being in session. Several classes and teachers are already putting together their teams.

"We've had a positive response so far," Cornman said.

This year, more than 4,200 relays will be held nationwide to help fund cancer research, educational and community service programs and provide legislative advocacy. Relays usually begin in the early evening with the traditional "Survivors Lap," where cancer survivors walk a ceremonial first lap around the track. Teams are typically made up of 8-15 members and are asked to seek sponsorship and have a member walking the track at all times.

Cornman began her participation with Relay For Life three years ago when she was on a team as a cancer survivor.

"When you have cancer, you think you're the only one going through it," she said. "When I did the victory lap, there were more than 1,200 people. You're instantly bonded with those people."

Cervical cancer struck Cornman seven years ago. The treatment she received spared her life, but left her unable to have another child.

Her work organizing the community's Relay is voluntary. The single mother works full time and considers raising her daughter who was born before cancer "a privilege."

"I am blessed beyond being blessed," she said.

She knew that Relay For Life funds would go to regional research groups. The University of Washington has had favorable results recently with a vaccine targeting the virus linked to cervical cancer. Hearing about improved options for cancer patients is part of Cornman's reward.

Her background in business development and sales led to her involvement with the local cancer community. She was promoting northern Idaho artwork and shared pieces with Nicol Barnes that might be sold to raise money. Barnes is the Community Relationship Manager for the local branch of the American Cancer Society. Susan Toronto's inspirational pictures show women with sayings such as "She who wears a pink ribbon," and "She who is a survivor." Cornman said that the sales idea took off and five different Idaho Relays have purchased the artwork for fund-raising, bringing about $2,000 to the American Cancer Society as a result.

This year's Relay goal is $125,000, although Cornman privately sets her personal goal to hit $150,000. She expects to be involved in every part of organizing, including entertainment, publicity and attire. New activities this year include a contest for children to design the Relay volunteers' T-shirts. Purple "HOPE" armbands may be purchased for $1 to support the Relay For Life fund. Business owners are encouraged to call if they would like to sell them.

SIDEBAR: GET INVOLVED For information on participating or organizing a team, contact Heidi Cornman at 704-4950 or Nicol Barnes at the American Cancer Society (800) 537-7710, option 3.