By WALLYCE TODD
Staff Writer

Many Relay For Life (RFL) teams raised money for the fundraising leg of the American Cancer Society (ACS) last year.

Due to research money provided by RFL and other activities, ACS reports are showing the largest ever decline in cancer-related deaths. The latest ACS research is for 2003-2004, with the results published Jan. 17.

Locally, businesses, church groups, civic organizations and other groups of individuals form teams to walk during the annual 24-hour relay and to raise money to help ensure that effective research is ongoing.

In 2006, Columbus Regional Healthcare team was led by four co-captains. On Jan. 10 in Wilmington, Relay for Life Region 4 leadership awarded the county’s healthcare system with the recognition of Top Medical Partner.

During the same evening event, The News Reporter was recognized for its coverage of the local RFL and was given the local region’s Top Newspaper Partner award.

Terrie Priest is the director of public relations and marketing for CRH. She said it delighted the team members of CRH to know they’d helped make a difference. In response to the Top Medical Partner, Priest said, “We were thrilled and excited. It’s a huge honor to be recognized this way within the eastern region.”

Priest stated: “Our team last year did was amazing. They raised the most money we’ve ever raised ($17,784.52). The co-captains of our team were great leaders…very organized.”

She continued: “We’ve been involved with Relay for Life since it started.

“It’s just the right thing to do; that’s what we’re about (caring for people and their health). We think it’s important to be involved.”

Hospital employees are already involved in preparing for the 2007 Relay for Life. Priest smiled as she said: “The plans have already begun for this year’s team. We’re working for it to be bigger and better than last year.”

Priest concluded: “We’re so glad we can be a part. We believe everybody in the county should be involved.”