the million dollar mark
Story by Susan O'Connor, Photos by Dero Sanford

Cancer touches millions of lives, and each life is a reason to hit the track on June 5 for the Craighead County Relay For Life, a signature fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. In its 15th year in Jonesboro, organizers expect to reach a huge milestone this year — the million dollar mark.

One of more than 4,000 relays worldwide, Relay for Life and other community fund-raisers help support the research of ACS, as well as an array of services offered free of charge to cancer patients and their families.

According to the ACS website, cancer.org, ACS has provided more money for research than any other non-profit in the world — more than $3 billion since 1946. Cancer breakthroughs such as chemotherapy, pap tests, mammograms and tamoxifen, a drug used in the treatment of breast cancer, have been discovered through this research.

“The most important work the ACS does is research,” said Sherrie Mitchell, community program representative for ACS. “Whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or not you have most likely benefited from the research.”
Mitchell directs ACS services in 16 counties of the Mid-South Division, though her work is concentrated in Jonesboro. She is a Jonesboro native and Arkansas State University alumna.

“One of my jobs is educating the community about the many ways the ACS saves lives from cancer,” Mitchell said. “One of the most important educational tools I use when speaking is our age appropriate cancer screening guidelines. Cancers that can be prevented or detected earlier by screening account for at least half of all new cancer cases.

“Another message I feel strongly about promoting is that cancer-related deaths caused by obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet are now equal to the amount of cancer deaths caused by tobacco use. That is unbelievable to me! Sixty-five percent of Arkansans are considered overweight or obese. The ACS continues to assist those with smoking cessation, but we also work with local businesses to assist them in developing wellness programs that produce healthier employees.”
A 24-hour hotline (1-800-ACS-2345) is another important service offered by the ACS. Trained cancer specialists answer questions and refer cancer patients and family members to the huge network of resources available.

“Outside of research, this is our greatest resource,” Mitchell said of the hotline. “It is what connects us to the community. I love hearing from the patients about how they have called the 24-hour cancer hotline and their needs have been met and questions answered. Most of them have never had to deal with a medical crisis like this and have no idea where to turn. I try to reassure them that they are not alone in this cancer battle, and then I connect them to local resources and assistance from the ACS.”

Mitchell also directs three local programs that benefit and support cancer patients.

“One of the most rewarding programs I provide is our Look Good…Feel Better program, which is held monthly in Jonesboro where women going through cancer treatment learn how to use cosmetics to counter the side effects of treatment like skin changes and hair loss. Each woman receives one-on-one attention by trained cosmetologists and a kit of makeup valued at $200. The women no longer have to look like they have cancer and have more confidence in their appearance.”

Reach to Recovery, a support and information group for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and Man to Man, for men with prostate cancer, are also available free of charge.

On a positive note, Mitchell acknowledged that many of the patients she serves will make a full recovery.

“Honestly, 60 to 80 percent of the patients I see in Look Good Feel Better will survive. Most people think cancer is a death sentence, but for many today it is a temporary physical setback.

“But, when I am working with a patient that I know is terminal and see their determination to fight this disease as long as they can, it really makes me examine my life and my priorities. I wonder many times if I would be that strong.”

Though Mitchell is involved in Relay For Life and other local ACS fund-raisers, the chair of this year’s event is Jill Crews, a volunteer of many years.

“I got involved with the ACS just after my father was diagnosed with leukemia about 14 years ago at the age of 75,” Crews said. “He was cured and that motivated me to help with the fight against cancer. My husband, Doug, and I have been involved in the relay ever since then. We both have had several members of our families who have both survived and lost their battles with cancer. Ironically, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer just last year and after several weeks of radiation has been given a clean bill of health. We are both very passionate about finding a cure.”

Relay for Life is set for Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. beginning with the survivor walk, and ends at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. Preliminary events such as singing, music and games will start at 4 p.m. Crews said participants can walk for 10 minutes or all night, as long as they walk.

One of the premiere events of the night is the luminary ceremony at 9 p.m. Candles will line the walking track with names of people who have survived and lost the battle with cancer. After the candles are lit, all the names are read aloud. Luminaries may be purchased for $5 for a white candle, $10 for a gold candle and $25 for a tiki torch. Anyone may purchase a luminary in honor or memory of someone who has had cancer.

For more information about participating in this year’s Relay For Life or to donate to the ACS, contact Crews at djlcrews@yahoo.com.