Teams are forming for the American Cancer Society’s 2009 Relay for Life, and fundraising organizations and individuals, like Weed’s Janyth Bolden, are preparing for the task before them.
Bolden recently announced that she will be donating 25% of all her earnings from her Mary Kay business to the July 25-26 Relay at College of the Siskiyous in Weed, an annual event which raises money for cancer research and services for local cancer patients, such as transportation to treatment, peer support groups and other resources.
As a respiratory therapist, former instructor of Siskiyou County’s Freedom from Smoking class at Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta and a cancer survivor herself, Bolden has been involved with the Relay for Life since 2003.
“In 2009, it is estimated that there will be 295 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Siskiyou County, and there will be 130 deaths as a result of cancers,” Bolden said. “The Relay is a great way to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember lost loved ones and to fight back.”
Each team that participates in the relay makes a commitment to have one person on the track at all times for the entire 24 hours – symbolizing that cancer doesn’t sleep, Bolden explained.
“This year my grandkids helped me form a team, called Anything for Granny,” Bolden laughed. “I’m so excited that my Mary Kay business is allowing me to do some serious donating.”
Each tent at this year’s Relay will be dedicated to offering information about a different type of cancer. Because of her involvement with Mary Kay, Bolden will be educating the walkers about skin cancers. “I’m thrilled I’ll be able to talk about skin care,” she said.
To learn more about Siskiyou County’s Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/siskiyoucountyca. To contact Janyth Bolden call 530-917-5847 or go to www.marykay.com/jcbolden.
Mount Shasta, Calif. —
