FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amy Ellis

(Riley?s Army board member)

252-916-9199 or ellisix@embarqmail.com

Relay for Life, Riley?s Army Seek Pediatric Cancer Survivors

GREENVILLE, North Carolina (March 2, 2009) ? The American Cancer Society?s Relay for Life, in conjunction with Riley?s Army, an organization that supports local pediatric cancer patients and their families, seeks all Pitt County children presently battling cancer, as well as those who have undergone cancer treatment in the past, in order to invite them and their families to the First Annual Pediatric Cancer Survivor Dinner. The dinner will be sponsored by Riley?s Army on Thursday, April 2, at St. James United Methodist Church in Greenville.  Any interested persons should call Amy Ellis at 252-916-9199 or email Riley?s Army at info@rileysarmy.com.

The pediatric survivor dinner, the first of its kind in the region, will be a ?kid-friendly? opportunity for families of pediatric cancer patients and survivors to interact and learn more about services and opportunities offered in the area.

            More than 150 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in Eastern North Carolina. Riley?s Army was established last April to raise awareness for pediatric cancer patients and to recruit, train and provide volunteers to sit with these patients and their siblings. The group also provides education, meals, prayer and other types of assistance.  

 Riley?s Army was organized in honor of volunteers who have helped the family of 9-year-old Winterville resident Riley Philpot in her ongoing battle with cancer. The organization is an approved charitable fund with the Greater Greenville Community Foundation (GGCF).

Pitt County?s Relay for Life event will be held April 24 and 25 at South Central High School. This annual event raises awareness and funds to help with cancer research, prevention and treatment.