By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
For Sharon Peacock, Relay for Life is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration.
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2002, Peacock knew she wasn’t ready to lose the battle that lay before her.
Since her diagnosis eight years ago, Peacock has enjoyed countless moments with her family, including milestones in the lives of her children.
The celebration that is Relay for Life is one that Peacock has enjoyed since becoming involved in the event seven years ago.
Peacock, a biology instructor at Jefferson Davis Community College, began working with Relay organizers while she was a teacher at T.R. Miller High School.
The following year, Peacock thought she was ready and helped organize a team at T.R. Miller High School.
Peacock, who discovered a lump in her breast herself, said funding research for diagnostics, treatments and prevention of cancer gives her plenty of reasons to help organize this year’s event as committee chairperson.
That hope, Peacock said, is a reason so many people participate in and contribute to Relay for Life.
The 2010 Relay for Life event to benefit The American Cancer Society is planned for Saturday on the campus of the Brewton Area YMCA on Belleville Avenue.
The event, which is open to the public, is planned from noon to 9 p.m. Special ceremonies will be held throughout the day. A Survivors Brunch will be held at 11 a.m., sponsored by Comfort Care Hospice.
Opening ceremonies will be followed by the Survivors Lap and a lap to honor caregivers, beginning at noon.
A womanless beauty pageant will be held at 6:30 p.m. with a Luminaria Ceremony planned at 8 p.m. Entertainment, contests and a Relay Idol competition are planned throughout the day. A special children’s village, hosted by members of the Brewton Medical Center team, will also be in place on the YMCA campus.
For additional information concerning Relay for Life or the American Cancer Society, contact any Relay for Life team member, Peacock or ACS at 251-621-7996.