FIGHT BACK through research! This year, select Relay events in our community are offering the unique opportunity to participate first-hand in a landmark new study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).The American Cancer Society will be enrolling people into CPS-3, a long-term study that will help researchers better identify the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. Please spread the word and visit the Cancer Prevention Study-3 website www.cancer.org/cps3 to find an enrollment location near you and for more information about how to participate in research today for a cancer free tomorrow!
	Local Relay For Life events offering CPS-3 enrollment:
	Relay For Life of White Bear Lake on July 30, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. in the Enrollment Tent on site Relay For Life of Stillwater on August 6, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Enrollment Tent on site

Changes for 2010

With the closing of another year, thoughts often turn to the topic of “change”. What will be in store for us in the coming 12 months? As supporters of Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society, we hope the change of the calendar will bring continued health for our friends and family; more support for those who face a battle with cancer; and, fewer victims of cancer throughout our community, state and nation. The New Year will also bring several changes to the Relay For Life of St. Anthony Village.

As some of you may already know, St. Anthony Village High School is undergoing construction and renovation in several areas. A current project involves redoing the track and football field. According to school officials, work will continue on this throughout the summer of 2010. Therefore, the facility will not be available for our upcoming Relay.

After learning of this several months ago, our Relay For Life Committee quickly got to work looking at new venue options throughout the community. Numerous contacts were made and many questions were asked. From this process, two options emerged as the best for the Relay and its participants: Irondale High School and Freedom Park at the corner of Silver Lake Road and 14th St. in New Brighton. Irondale looked to have the best set-up but was several miles away from St. Anthony Village. While Freedom Park provided more visibility and a closer proximity, it lacked a sound system, indoor space for sales and a "relay-like" path. Much discussion took place at the Committee’s November meeting. In the end, the group unanimously agreed that Irondale would be the best option.
 
Because of the location change, the Committee felt the need for a name change for the event. After more discussion, the “North Central Suburban Relay For Life” was chosen. This name reflects the desire to include more of our friends in neighboring communities.
 
I want to assure everyone that these decisions were not made lightly. All those attending the meeting were able to express their opinions, ask questions and draw their own conclusions. I will admit that I was very apprehensive about the idea of moving the Relay out of St. Anthony. Seven years ago a dedicated group of community members decided they, as a neighborhood, wanted to celebrate those who were cancer survivors, honor those that cancer claimed, and fight back against this disease. However, this decision was made much easier because the St. Anthony High School track will be off-limits. 

After much thought, I now know that we are not attempting to change the original spirit with which this event was conceived. I believe we are simply trying to make this a bigger and better event by opening it up to more of our neighbors in the surrounding communities. Now, they too can celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer. I hope that you agree.

I think many of you will see some great benefits to our new Irondale High School location for 2010.  They include:

• An outstanding football/track complex which includes a paved track for better mobility and comfort;
• A new team tent area within feet of parking;
• A participant drop-off area located next to the main gate; and,
• A large parking lot just yards from the Relay.

Obviously, a location and name change will require some work on the Committee’s part. We, as organizers, need to get the word out to our participants and inform community members in the area about this great opportunity in their own backyard. I hope that we can count on you to share the message with your teammates, family and neighbors.

Currently, work is being done to organize three kick-off events throughout the area.  Those parties will be held the beginning of March. They will give the opportunity for the Committee to introduce Relay For Life to our new neighbors; the capability of current participants to begin the fundraising process; and, everyone the ability to ask questions. Please look for information on these kick-offs in the coming weeks.

Many of you may wonder if these changes are permanent. From my understanding, some questions remain about the status of the St. Anthony High School track. A location beyond 2010 will need to be determined at a later date. However, I feel our new name is a positive step that can create new opportunities for many years to come.

So as we look forward to 2010, please mark your calendars for the new “North Central Suburban Relay For Life” on June 25 at Irondale High School in New Brighton. I look forward to these changes and I hope you do as well.

If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached by phone at 651-497-5768 or email at allensommerfeld@hotmail.com. You can also visit www.relayforlife.org/northcentralsuburbanmn for more information.

Best wishes in the New Year for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Allen Sommerfeld

Event Chair

2010 North Central Suburban Relay For Life