Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer

The St Ann/St Mary branch of the Jamaica Cancer Society will be staging its third annual Relay For Life fund-raising event from Saturday, August 23 to Sunday, August 24 in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

This was announced by chairman of the branch, Madeline Whitter, at the official media launch, held at the Hard Rock Café in Ocho Rios, last Saturday.

Relay For Life is the branch's major fund-raising event. However, the focus is not only on raising funds but is also used to increase cancer awareness among members of the wider population. It is also used to provide an ideal atmosphere in which cancer survivors can celebrate and share their success stories, as well as to offer a moment of reflection on those who have lost the battle.

Top-class entertainment

The event will be held at the Turtle River Park in the resort town between 6 p.m. on August 23 and 6 a.m. on August 24, and will include top-class musical entertainment.

Whitter was happy to report that last year's Relay For Life was a major success and that this year was expected to be even better.

The St Ann/St Mary Branch of the Jamaica Cancer Society operates successful outreach and counselling programmes.

Last year, through its active participation with clinics and a health care and public awareness programme, the branch was able to facilitate a total of 148 mammo-grams, 566 Pap smears and 23 prostate tests.

Plans are already in place to extend the outreach programme with the aim of doubling figures for last year.

Through the counselling programme, the branch has been providing counselling, financial assistance and other forms of support to cancer patients, giving them encouragement to make their burdens lighter.

Public relations officer of the branch, Norma Walters, said she was looking forward to a big turnout at this year's Relay For Life.