On April 16-17, 2004, 16 members of the Chincoteague NWR will put on their walking shoes and set off on an all night walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Held every year, Relay for Life is a team relay event to raise awareness of cancer in the community and to raise funds to fight back against cancer.

The team name, Mary Lou Luminaries, was chosen to honor the memory of a woman whose strength and courage inspired all who knew her, especially me. Diagnosed with lung cancer, in 2000 she was given a year to live. Almost 4 years later on December 23, 2003, she lost her battle. I will miss my mother dearly, but she is now what I always knew her to be, an angel. Unfortunately there are 9 other staff members who have loved ones who are living with cancer or have died. This also is in honor of them.

To raise money, we will be holding a silent auction March 28 - April 11. Auction items range from pictures to decoys all donated by local artists. These items will be displayed at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center and the winners will be announced on April 11, Easter Sunday. You can also see any staff member if you just want to donate money.

Everyone knows someone who has survived cancer, is living with it or has died from it. You always care, but when it happens to someone close to you it takes on a different emotion. The fact is, NOW is the time to start really caring. With your help hopefully one day all cancer will be curable. No one should have to watch someone they love suffer from this horrible disease.

Susan Fair, CNWR