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Relay For Life baton passed to teacher

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: October 28, 2009

Organizers of the Relay for Life of Plant City had their first meeting to plan strategy, build teams and prepare for the big fundraiser and 18-hour relay to beat cancer scheduled in April.

Joanna Rogers, a fifth-grade teacher at Cork Elementary School, has taken the position of event chairwoman. She follows Bailey Elementary assistant principal Carol Mayo, who worked two years in that position. Mayo said she gained more from the effort than she ever expected.

"Being event chair for the past two years was an incredible experience, and one that forever changed my life," Mayo said. "Not only did I get to work with the most amazing group of people who made up our committees, but I got to be a part of something that is greater than all of us."

Mayo said she is dedicated more than ever to the reason behind the Relay.

"The effort is made to find a cure to honor those who have lost the battle and to help those who are currently fighting cancer," Mayo said. "Growing our relay event to No. 4 in the state of Florida has been exciting, but the goal for our relay, and every relay in the nation, is to find a cure. I honestly feel that that is coming in the near future and that is why all the efforts of the committee, team captains, sponsors and community members are so important. We are making a difference and we will find a cure."

Rogers and the committee members participated in a kickoff meeting at Plant City High School on Oct. 19. More than 40 people attended the meeting. At the meeting Rogers recognized the Plant City High School relay team, announced the date and location of the event, and introduced survivor Mark Killebrew, who was a guest speaker.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 731-8161.

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