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Benefit's Off Starting Blocks

Tribune photo by JOHN CEBALLOS

Jennifer Northrop, left, and Heather Flanagan help Rachel Mushon sign up a team for the Relay for Life of Riverview. The relay is scheduled for March 28 at Riverview High School.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: November 26, 2008

RIVERVIEW - The Relay for Life of Riverview may be more than four months away, but it's never too early to get people signed up.

On Nov. 18, Riverview High School - the site of the relay coming up March 29 - hosted a party to kick off the fundraising season for the event, which benefits the American Cancer Society.

"I walk for myself and for my daughter, who doesn't have to hear the word 'cancer' anymore," said Jennifer Northrop, event co-chairwoman and a cervical cancer survivor. "We also want to do our part to help find a cure."

Relay for Life pays tribute to lives lost to and touched by cancer while raising money to fight the disease.

During the 24-hour event, teams of 10 to 15 people will camp on the school's football field while at least one member walks or jogs around the surrounding track.

Annette Bilyeu, event co-chairwoman and community advertising executive for The Tampa Tribune, said 99 percent of the money raised will benefit local cancer research.

Among the more than 50 people who attended the kickoff were several survivors who expressed their admiration for one of the American Cancer Society's signature events.

Michelle Ehrich of Riverview was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in July 2005.

"I was given three months to live," Ehrich said. "I told them I was going to fight, and 40 months later, I'm still here.

"If it wasn't for the American Cancer Society, I wouldn't be here," she said.

In addition to signing people up at the event, the kickoff taught guests how they can register themselves or their teams online, courtesy of a tutorial.

As of mid-November, 11 teams with 53 participants had signed up for the relay, and nearly $2,300 had been raised. By the time the main event rolls along, organizers hope to have 51 teams registered.

After raising a little more than $100,000 last year, their fundraising goal for this year is $110,000 to $120,000.

"It's a great event, and it's something we all really believe in," Northrop said.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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