I would like to take off my editor's cap for a minute and slip on a purple bracelet to thank the 28 teams and 166 residents who have signed up for Crestview's 2014 Relay For Life.
Teams are as follows: Duke It Out, Team Baker, Sacred Heart Crestview Medical Clinic, New Life Missionary Baptist Church, Lowes Heroes, Tuff Birds Fitness, Layla's Journey, Committee Heroes, Walmart Warriors #0944, North Okaloosa Medical Center, Covenant Hospice Crestview and Davidson Panthers.
Also: Speedee Printing, Riverside Elementary, Team Lynette, Walkin'-A-Crown, Southside Tiger Cubs, Family, GameMasters Guild-Zombie Apocalypse, OCTFCU, Bob Sikes Elementary, Bel Aire Terrace Apartments, Crestview High School Juniorettes, L-3 High Flyers, Live Oak Baptist Church, New Life International Worship Center, North Okaloosa Tooth Fairies and Purr-Fect Pacers.
Crestview area volunteers have raised $8,002, which benefits the American Cancer Society and furthers its primary mission: to add more birthdays for people with cancer.
Still, the local Relay needs more teams — and more dollars — to help eradicate cancer. The goal is $151,000, and we have just a couple of months to get it.
Relay For Life Crestview kicks off at 6 p.m. April 25 at Shoal River Middle School, 3200 E. Redstone Ave., here in Crestview. Proceeds benefit programs like Road to Recovery, which matches cancer patients with volunteer drivers who take them to their appointments; Look Good … Feel Better, which helps women with cancer improve their self-image; and others that directly affect our community.
We hope North Okaloosa residents will come together and "Team for a Cure" — this year's theme — by signing up their business, church, club or family. Or by donating. You also could call 850-244-9042 for more details.
In the meantime, the News Bulletin will continue its ongoing series and coverage on cancer patients. (Like this Boston butts fundraiser!)
Crestview's 2013 Relay For Life ranked 24th in the state, and we anticipate another successful year, uniting for a cause we all can believe in, and enjoying the fellowship.
Please consider forming a team for just $10. It's a great way to strengthen your work place, church or family's bonds while gaining sponsorships and fighting cancer.
Thank you, again, for those who have committed their support, and for those of you considering adding yours.
What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni @cnbeditor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's 'Teaming for a Cure' for cancer, needs your help