DEARBORN — Relay for Life of Dearborn raised $109,000 for
the American Cancer Society at its annual fundraiser which promotes cancer
awareness while providing entertainment through music, games, activities and
food. Initially the goal was to raise $100,000. The funds were raised by more
than a dozen teams who volunteered to participate in the 24 hour event that
began April 30 at 10 a.m.

Volunteers represent various organizations in Dearborn. The
most raised by a team was $16,000. 
The event was held outside Dearborn’s Ford Community and Performing Arts
Center, where a number of tents were set up. There was a strong presence of
Arab Americans among the nearly1,000 participants. Relay for Life Dearborn
Chair Denise Abdullah says the event helps community members open up about
cancer. “We’re teaching the youth to be more vocal about cancer,” she
said. “It’s ok to be public, and people can, and do, live after
cancer.”  It also encourages
and teaches guests how to get proper care to treat cancer.

 Over the course
of 13-years, Relay for Life Dearborn has raised $712,000 to help cancer patients;
that doesn’t include the money raised this year. Abdullah says it’s the small
donations that add up and really count. To participate in the 2012 Relay for
Life Dearborn or join the committee contact Denise Abdullah at 313.522.8785 or
deniseabdullah@hotmail.com.