LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Life-saving cancer research costs money

Did you know the 2012 American Cancer Society Crestview Relay for Life ranked 24th in Florida, raising over $150,000 to help in the fight against cancer.

Did you know cancer deaths are down 20 percent since 1991.

Did you know Okaloosa County ranked No. 1 per capita in the nation in fundraising for Relay For Life in 2012!

Did you know two in three people diagnosed with cancer today survive at least five years, thanks in part to the American Cancer Society.

Are the above facts related?

You bet they are. It takes dollars to fund research to help lower cancer deaths and increase survivability. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

Here are some other ways ACS, Relay for Life and your donations help.

The 2013 Crestview Relay For Life will take place at Old Spanish Trail Park on April 26-27, starting at 6 p.m. We are recruiting teams and sponsors to take part. All cancer survivors are encouraged to participate.

To start a team, contact Disa Pettit at 797-6605.

For sponsorship opportunities, call 537-4654 or 603-3500.

To reach the Crestview chair, contact Krystal Jackson at 689-2115.

To reach an ACS staff partner, contact Brittany Wade at 244-3813 ext 3556.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Life-saving cancer research costs money