Dear Editor,  
    This week is National Volunteer Week.  As a community manager for the American Cancer Society, I work primarily with volunteers; and if it weren’t for the tireless efforts of these people my job would not be possible! As a matter of fact, the volunteers in this very community make my job a “dream job.”
    I wanted to take the time to thank all of the hard-working volunteers in the community of Morgan County; they are making a difference in the fight against cancer and saving lives everyday.  People volunteer for many reasons, but for the most part, the volunteers who I encounter are volunteering primarily because they know someone or lost someone in the fight against cancer. 
    It’s an ugly fight.  So ugly that people don’t want to see anyone else they know go through that ugliness. 
    That’s true dedication and service to others.  Growing up as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society helps me to appreciate all of the hard work that is put into planning the Relay For Life events.
    I identify with many volunteers as we all have a “Reason to Relay”, and are working hard for a cause we believe in. Being a part of Relay, whether that be as a planning committee member, team captain, team member or a spectator takes a lot of time an effort from many individuals. I know how hard it is to balance everyday stress from school and work along with being a volunteer, but I was a kid when I volunteered for Relay, not a full-time working adult and/ or parent.
    These individuals who put so much time and effort into making Relay possible have separate lives from Relay For Life; they have jobs, families and other worries besides putting an event together. But seeing how hard they work, how much time and dedication that put into Relay, you would never know. These people are outstanding, valuable assets not only to Relay For Life, but to this community as a whole.  
    As we gear up for the 2009 Relay For Life event, this Friday April 24th  I have to once again express my thankfulness for the dedication of the volunteers in Morgan  County. If you have never made it out to a Relay For Life event in this community, I encourage you to do so.
    This year is the 10th Anniversary Relay and by attending you can support those in your community who dedicate their time during the better part of each year to planning this event. Come and support your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors in the fight against cancer.
    The survivor reception begins at 6 p.m. with Opening Ceremonies immediately following at 7p.m. We will be there all night, so plan to be there with us! Closing ceremonies are at 7 a.m. I hope to see you all there, and please thank those you know who are involved with Relay For Life. Without these people working so hard in this community, making a difference in the fight against cancer Relay For Life would not be possible. 
    Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers in a week that reminds us all of the need of community service,
Lacie Smith, 
American Cancer Society Community Manager

PRINTED IN THE APRIL 23, 2009 EDITION