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Relay For Life is a nationwide event sponsored by the American Cancer Society aimed to raise money that goes towards the research and programs of the American Cancer Society as well allocated to individuals in order to provide services, care, and support to area cancer patients. Efforts from Bernie teachers, students, and teams in the 2008 Stoddard County Relay For Life event raised over $11,700.00. They were awarded as top fundraisers in the Stoddard County Multiple Team and Corporate categories.

Michele Carmode and her students proudly announce that Bernie School is a Relay for Life supporter

Bernie Elementary Students contributed by making signs and a "Fight Back" banner

Most of the money that raised by local Relay For Life teams goes to cancer research, but some of it helps support services that the American Cancer Society provides to patients. Through the efforts of money raised, many cancer patients were able to take advantage of these services in our Southern Missouri region from August of 2007 to May of 2008:

122 people were issued gas cards
100 people were given American Cancer Society gift items
127 people stayed at the St. Louis Hope Lodge
388 people received information
181 people received personal health managers to keep track of prescriptions and doctors
265 CASES of Ensure were passed out
27 women received a Reach to Recovery visit (breast cancer survivor mentors a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient)
37 women attended Look Good Feel Better seminars (trained professionals teach women who are on chemo how to apply make up and care for their hair - they also receive special make-up that will not break out their skin)
90 people received wigs and/or turbans

Anyone that is interested in receiving assistance from the American Cancer Society can call
1-800-ACS-2345
You will need to be prepared to give the following information:
Name
Address
Phone Number
Date of Birth
Date of Diagnosis
Where you will be receiving treatment

More information about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society can be obtained through the following website:

Everyone can help !!!

Every time you use the following search engine,

http://www.goodsearch.com:80/

money will be donated to Bernie's Relay For Life Teams

Bernie Schools will be hosting another Relay Week in 2009. Though dates have not been set yet, students are urged to start collecting and saving their change for the event. The American Cancer Society will provide a pizza party for the class who raises the most money.