2008 Relay for Life of North Mason
‘Toon Into A Cure

Cancer is no laughing matter. But we also know that “Laughter is the best medicine!” And so we watch cartoons, read the funny papers, tell jokes, laugh, play, and have fun, even in the face of life-threatening cancer.

In 2008, the North Mason community is set to “Toon into a Cure” for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

If we could be Captain Marvel and make it all go away with a loud “Shazam!” we would do it. If Spider Man could web it all up and make it immobile, that would be awesome.

We encourage all to see their physician regularly, asking Goofy’s question, “Well, whaddya know?” That should be followed, after screening, with Bugs Bunny’s “What’s up, Doc?”

One diagnosed with cancer may reluctantly give in by quoting Popeye, “I yam what I yam,” but they might be better off eating those yams, and his spinach, too.

We don’t want to give cancer the friendly greeting of the Mickey Mouse Club song, either, because we don’t want to “See you real soon,” and we can’t honestly say, “Why? Because we like you!”

If Elmer Fudd were a better shot with his gun, we’d want him hunting cancer, instead of wabbits – er, rabbits.

If Scooby Doo and friends could track down this enemy, we’d hire them.

A surgeon who is like Yosemite Sam says, “Gonna git that varmint!” or Mighty Mouse who says, “Here I am to save the day!” is what we would all wish for. We wouldn’t even give cancer the courtesy of a Roadrunner “Beep! Beep!” announcement. (Perhaps Acme makes an anti-cancer device? Only in the cartoons – at least for now.)

And so we relay. We Relay for Life. We seek this time together, to learn and encourage one another, to support those in the fight, and to remember, and comfort those mourning the loss of a loved one.

We raise money, knowing it will fund cancer research, help cancer patients with services, educate the public, and allow others to advocate for more public money toward this battle.

We will keep doing it until we can say of cancer what Porky Pig says at the end of every cartoon, “Th-th-th-That’s all folks!”

The NM Relay Committee, under the leadership of Denise Snow is seeking sponsors at the following levels: Gold ($1,200), Silver ($600) and Bronze ($300), with a goal of $10,000 in corporate sponsorships this year.

Relay For Life is about a community that takes up the fight against cancer. Any community member interested in helping or participating, or for further information, please contact Denise Snow at 360 275-6066 extension 3204, or at dsnow@pcfcu.org.

Twenty-four hour cancer information is available from the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.