Relay For Life Volunteer Hero

(May 3, 2012) - This week's Billy Johnson Community Hero probably spends as much time volunteering for a cause very dear to her heart as she does working at her paid job.  Jennifer Brown is in her third year as co-chair of the Relay For Life of Pike County, but has been a Relay volunteer for nearly 10 years.  Relay For Life events are held across the world each year, and are collectively, the number one fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  And, Jennifer says she participates in Relay For Life because she has seen in her own family the results of raising money for ACS.  "Both my grandfathers had bouts with cancer.  Luckily, neither one of them were life threatening," she said.  "My living grandfather has been fighting cancer for years, and is actually on an American Cancer Society treatment.  My grandfather was touched personally by the research that ACS specifically did.  The dollars we raise here in Pike County could have been the very dollar that funded the research that saved my grandfather's life."
     As head of a committee that works all year planning the event, Jennifer is working constantly to plan fundraisers and educate our community about fighting cancer.  "Cancer is something that touches every single person.  If you haven't had it, somebody in your family, a friend or somebody in your group has been touched by cancer," explained Jennifer.  "Working with the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, specifically, you are making a difference in people's lives.  And, hopefully making a difference in your children's and grandchildren's lives...when hopefully cancer is no longer something we have to worry about!"
     The Relay For Life of Pike County is Friday, June 8th at Bob Amos Park in Pikeville.  Congratulations, Jennifer Brown, this week's Billy Johnson Community Hero!