Area briefs

Walkers, cancer survivors, community leaders, team captains and hard workers are needed to make the American Cancer Society Relay For Life a reality in Brainerd.

The first volunteer committee/team captain meeting for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life was 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at T.J.'s Log Cabin restaurant in Brainerd. The second volunteer committee/team captain meeting will be 5:30 p.m. May 12 at T.J.'s Log Cabin.

Relay For Life is a fund-raising event that allows participants from all walks of life -- including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers -- to join together in the fight against cancer. Relay For Life is a team event where participants walk around a track relay style overnight. Teams of cancer fighting enthusiasts will gather July 30 at Don Adamson Field to show their support and dedication. Volunteers are needed to begin planning now for this event.

"Relay For Life is as much an awareness-raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund-raiser," said Karen Owen, Crow Wing County event chair. "Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer."

Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams; seek community support; underwrite; coordinate logistics; find refreshments and prizes; plan entertainment; and lend support in any way. To join the Relay For Life as a volunteer or team participant, call the American Cancer Society at 829-6212.