Committee to honor cancer survivors

Survivor Committee members Pat Cross, Debbie Overcash, Beth Mumaw, Darla Malueg, Shrail Heinrich, Amy Goddard Robison, and Debbie Hoover.

On April 29, the Relay for Life Survivors Reception Committee is honoring Madison cancer survivors and their families at a first-time reception for those who have won the battle with cancer and give hope to those fighting against the disease.

The reception will take place prior to the annual Relay for Life walk, which raises money for the American Cancer Society.

“This is an event for every survivor, whether cancer free for 20 years or newly diagnosed, and their support team,” said Shrail Heinrich, committee member. “On any given day in the United States, more than 4000 people will hear the life changing words ’you have cancer.’”

The reception will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Madison City Stadium, located on Celtic Drive. Afterward, cancer survivors will kick-off Madison’s 2011 Relay for Life with the traditional Survivors Lap.

The reception is free and reservations are encouraged.

“The Survivors Reception and opening lap of Relay for Life are two very important components of this American Cancer Society fundraiser,” Heinrich said. “It is Survivors that show us that cancer can be defeated.”

For more information or to be a part of the reception, e-mail committee member Debbie Overcash at oversanoma@aol.com.