Henry Daily Herald

By Johnny Jackson

jjackson@henryherald.com

McDonough resident, Tonya Brantley, hopes to put together another successful year of fund-raising for the American Cancer Society's 15th Annual Relay for Life of Henry County.

"Our monetary goal for this year is $450,000," said Brantley, chairwoman of the 2010 Relay.

Brantley, who also chaired the 2009 Relay, said more than 3,000 people turned out for last year's fund-raising event, including hundreds of cancer survivors.

"We had more people participate than ever before," Brantley said. "The goals for the 2010 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Henry County are to bring the community together, for one night, to raise money and awareness for cancer research."

This year's fund-raiser will be held April 30 through May 1, at Woodland High School in Stockbridge.

"We hope to have 500 registered survivors join us the night of Relay at the survivor's dinner, which is catered by Shane's Rib Shack," said Brantley, who has had loved ones survive and succumb to the disease.

"In 2001, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and just three years ago, one of my best friends was diagnosed with breast cancer," she said. "I have also lost a mother-in-law to ovarian cancer."

Brantley said she started participating in Relay about 15 years ago, and continues to be motivated in the cause to help raise money to promote cancer awareness and research.

"Since then, Relay has become much more personal," she said. "I relay because I want to see a cure for cancer in my lifetime. I don't want my children to have cancer. I relay to celebrate our survivors, to remember those we have lost, and to fight back against this terrible disease."

Relay for Life of Henry County will hold its next team meeting on April 19 at 6 p.m., at Timber Ridge Elementary School in McDonough.

"It is not too late to get involved," Brantley said.

Residents can get involved by starting or joining a team, by making a donation to a team, or by purchasing luminaries which will be lit at 9:30 p.m., on the night of Relay. She said fund-raiser organizers are also looking for event sponsors.

To learn more about Relay for Life of Henry County, visit the organization's web site or contact Brantley at tbrantley@henry.k12.ga.us.

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On the net:

Relay for Life of Henry County: www.relayforlife.org/henryga