There is no offseason when it comes to cancer

  • Published
  • By Dee Wolfe
  • AEDC Public Affairs
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  The Coffee County Relay For Life is quickly approaching and sponsors of the event need your support.

Tullahoma and Manchester sponsors have combined their efforts in hosting the joint event May 11, 6-10 p.m., at the Coffee County Raider Academy, 865 McMinnville Hwy, Manchester, Tennessee.

The American Cancer Society is committed to saving lives from cancer, but we can't do it without you. Your donations help us fight all types of cancer, for all types of people, in all types of communities around the globe. Each person who joins Relay For Life can take pride in knowing that they are working towards creating a world free from the pain and suffering of this disease. Your donations to Relay For Life help the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, critical patient care services, education and prevention initiatives, and so much more.

AEDC employees are encouraged to participate in the fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life is not a race. It is an event to raise money and awareness for cancer research, and a large percentage of the monies raised at these local events are used to help local residents get the care they need.

Cancer has affected just about everyone at AEDC in one way or another. Almost everyone knows someone who is currently battling cancer, who has gone through it, or who has lost their battle with it, which is why events like Relay For Life are so important.

I am a two-time cancer survivor, and my husband Shawn and I, both AEDC DOD employees, coordinate the base’s involvement in the event. We have participated in the event since 2009 and have been captains of team REMEMBER since 2011. Since 2009, AEDC teams have raised an average of $5,000 per year for cancer research. Additionally, in 2018, the AEDC Test Operations and Support contractor, National Aerospace Solutions, LLC, had a team and they plan to have a team again this year.

Nick Dahl and Mark Jenkins are championing the NAS team and will be providing additional information to their workforce in the coming weeks on opportunities to participate and raise funds for the NAS effort.

Luminary bags are a wonderful way to pay tribute to those who have lost the battle or who are survivors of this dreaded disease. Bags can be purchased from Shawn or Dee Wolfe for $10. Individuals can take the bag home and decorate them and then return them no later than May 10.

The money raised through Relay For Life events helps realize the American Cancer Society's mission to save lives, celebrate life and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

Donations are used to fund life-saving cancer research, patient support services, prevention and education information, and detection and treatment programs. Over 100 individuals in the local area were assisted with funds raised in 2018. These donations paid for lodging at the Nashville Hope Hotel for 423 patients and 272 caregivers. Also funded were 86 Hope Lodge van rides and 11 “Road to Recovery” trips where volunteers give rides to patients needing treatment or cancer- related doctor visits. Some of the other services provided in 2018 include wigs for people who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy and appointments with personal health managers.

Please consider joining a Relay For Life team and raising funds or making a donation today.

If you would like more information about Relay For Life, are interested in joining our team or starting your own, or would like to make a donation, please call 931-454-4313 or 931-454-7824. NAS employees may call 931-454-5202 or 931-454-4707.

Everyone, regardless of contract or government status, is welcome to participate, join a team, or create their own. Individuals can also register online at www.relayforlife.org/coffeetn.