The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
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Fegan racing for cancer cure in county relay
School Board trustee honors former friend in ACS fund-raiser
By Daniel Lai, Editor
PUBLISHED: February 28, 2008
In a fitting tribute to former Manchester resident Peggy Chizmar, Manchester Community Schools Board of Education trustee Chris Fegan has formed a team to participate in the 2008 Washtenaw County Relay for Life May 17 and 18.
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"I've participated in many relays over the years because I've seen how cancer affects families and friends," Fegan said. "This is the first year I'll be a team captain."
As a radiation therapist, Fegan said she is no stranger to the effects of cancer but it wasn't until Chizmar died in December, that it really hit home.
"She was like a second mother to me," Fegan said. "We were great friends. Peggy was a great asset to Manchester and she was taken from us too soon."
The 11th annual Relay for Life is just that, a relay. It's an event that will run until cancer is finally defeated and begins long before the participants take their first steps on the walking track. And even though the actual event is months away, planning is well under way.
The event brings residents throughout the county together for a night of celebration, remembrance and strength while raising money for the American Cancer Society. This year's event will be held at the Chelsea High School Football Field.
"I would really like to see anyone from Manchester come and support this great cause," Fegan said.
Currently, six members have already registered with "Team Fegan."
"We're hoping to get a lot more people and maybe some participation from the school board," she said.
Participants can log onto the ACS Web site at events.cancer.org/rflchelseami to join. On the homepage, click on the "join a team" option in the upper right hand corner and search for "Team Fegan."
"So many people in town have been affected by this disease," she said. "What better way to honor them than by participating in the relay."
In the months leading up to the relay, team members will work to raise money through donations and sponsorships. Last year, there were more than 4,800 Relay for Life events in more than 22 countries. More than $400 million was raised for continuing education, advocacy, research and patient support.
"They ask each team member to raise $100, but its not mandatory," Fegan said. "Every person and every dollar makes a difference."
Jamie Lane, public relations manager for the Relay, said she credits the dedication of numerous team members for the event's success.
"Because of the strides made in cancer research and treatment, thanks in great part to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society, I have two family members that have faced cancer in the last several months and won," she said. "I have two close friends that are still facing cancer, but have more hope now than they would have had three, five or certainly 10 years ago. I know a young boy that is fighting leukemia with the newest treatments available and doing well.
"We all have these stories and unfortunately, everyone is affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly. If you have never been affected by this disease, consider yourself lucky and among a shrinking minority."
Fegan said the event is open to participants at all age levels.
"This is something everyone can participate in no matter how old they are," she said.
For those who cannot participate, but would like to make a donation, donations are being accepted online at the ACS Web site. Luminaries, which will be lit the night of the event, can be purchased for $10.
Fegan said she has participated in the relay for several years and will continue to do so until a cure is found.
"I hope to one day say I don't have to do my job anymore because we have defeated cancer," she said. "There has been some great strides in medical research but we still have a lot to do.
"Until there is a cure, we have to keep fighting."
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