Butler County unit places eighth in nation

The Butler County Unit of the American Cancer Society was presented an award by the ACS for placing in the top ten units in the country for its efforts in the Relay For Life project.

In a luncheon meeting held this week at L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital, the Butler County ACS board was presented with a banner from the American Cancer Society's Mid-South division.

"The Butler County Unit has been recognized as being in the top ten nationally for its population group," said Salina Fraze, income development project manager for the division. "It actually placed eighth in the nation, for the per capita group of 20,000 to 24,999.

"The unit also placed fourth in its region," she said. "In addition, the Mid-South region is one of only three divisions in the nation that are at a level over $1 per capita."

The Butler County unit has been raising funds each year for the last five through the Relay For Life Program.

Fraze takes a special interest in her job, but even more so when she is in Butler County.

"I grew up in Greenville, and graduated from Greenville High School in 1991," she said. "My parents still live here, so it is like coming home for me."

The local board, chaired by Joan Reynolds, organizes and conducts the Relay For Life program as its major fund-raising project of the year, but actually has other activities that are ongoing, too.

"We have several programs that we conduct all through the year," said Reynolds. "Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery, Tell-A-Friend, and Lobby Day are other programs we participate in."

Fraze said that Reach to Recovery is a program of the American Cancer Society which has been helping patients with breast cancer cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery since 1952.

"That was when Terese Lasser began survivor-to-patient outreach and support. Talking with a specially trained Reach to Recovery volunteer at this time can provide a measure of comfort and an opportunity for emotional grounding and informed decision-making," Fraze said.

"Road to Recovery is an ACS service program that provides ground transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again," said Reynolds. "The patient and/or family should contact us for more information."

Another program that has had positive results in Butler County is the Tell A Friend' program.

"The Tell A Friend' program is a nationwide American Cancer Society (ACS) effort conducted by trained volunteers among friends, family, and acquaintances," said Fraze. "Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the US

(after lung cancer), and the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer among US women."

Reynolds said that Lobby Day' is when local people travel to the State Capitol to meet and discuss various ways to raise public funding for ACS programs.

The Butler County Unit will hold it's kick off' for the Relay For Life program on February 6, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Greenville Area YMCA.

"This is where interested individuals and teams can meet to begin planning for the Relay For Life Program," said Fraze. "The Butler County Relay For Life event is scheduled for Friday, May 11, beginning at 6 p.m., and lasting until 6 a.m."

Fraze said that the each unit's goal is raised annually, so that they strive for more each year.

"This year, the Butler County unit's goal is $160,000," said Reynolds. "This is funding that directly benefits our own communities, so it is certainly a worthwhile cause."

Reynolds said that for more information, interested parties may call (334) 382-2696.