Catskills Relay for Life

[Mare Jade Sky]

owadays, it is hard to find anyone whose life has not been touched by cancer. It crosses all economic, social, gender, religious and race barriers. It affects all Guilds, Alliances and Players in UO.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007, there will be 1,444,920 new cases of cancer reported in the United States. Of this number, 766,860 will affect men and 678,060 will affect women.

Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US behind heart disease with 559, 650 deaths each year. The Institute of Health estimates that the cost of Cancer in the US each year is $206.3 Billion.

But there is hope. With advances in early diagnosis and treatment, the 5 year relative survival rate for cancers diagnosed between 1996 and 2002 is 66%. This is up from 51% for those diagnosed between 1975 and 1977.

We can do better but we need your help.

Inside the Order of the Dragon Alliance, several brave women have fought their battles with cancer recently. Thankfully, these women have won their fights. However, there are many others in many other families in many guilds and alliances that have lost the battle or are still fighting.

This is why all of the Guilds in the Order of the Dragon Alliance are proud to sponsor Catskills Relay for Life 2007 behind the leadership of Adriana of BoV and Ivy of RKoS.

Each week, beginning August 24th, there will be a fundraising event. On August 24th we will hold the opening ceremonies and kickoff event. Complete details on each week’s event will be posted in advance. There will be a marathon, Fight for Life pvp tourney, peerless hunts, treasure hunts, etc.

There will be an auction on September 21st. Anyone wishing to donate items for the auction can contact a Relay for Life council member listed below. Donations will be accepted through September 14th and all donations will be credited to the person making the donation when the item is auctioned.

The climax will take place on Thursday, September 27th beginning at 7:00 p.m. Eastern with the Relay for Life and Luminaria service followed by a Fel Champ Hunt. The Luminaria will line the path and be left burning through the nite to remind the participants of the incredible importance of your contributions. At the Champ Hunt, all scrolls obtained will be the property of the person who receives them. However, we are asking that all gold be collected for the Cancer Fund.

Since this event is based off the fundraising event for the fight against cancer, there will be sashes or half aprons crafted by Relay for Life available representing every type of Cancer. If you are survivor, a loved one of a survivor, have lost a loved one or a warrior in the battle, you are invited to pick up a sash or half apron designating the type of cancer that touched your life and wear it during the Relay and Spawn. To pick up a sash, please contact any council member. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Cancer survivors are encouraged to pick up a yellow sash and a half apron designating the color of the cancer you survived.

At the end of the fundraiser, ALL gold raised will be converted to real life cash and the donation sent to the American Cancer Society.

We hope you will all come out and join us as we race for a cure. Maybe one day the “C” word will be no more frightening than the common cold.

Keep checking for more details.

Relay for Life Council Members:

Adriana (BoV) 398-183-108

Poison Ivy (RKoS) 179-182-676

Satria (CDE) 253-567-604

Mrs. Xander (CDE) 374-427-946

Trish (RKoS) 249-858-325