MEDIA RELEASE

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Jeanette Eleff, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 25, 2002

MAYOR DOUGHERTY JOINS THE COMMUNITY IN

THE CELEBRATION ON THE HILL BUS EVENT MARCH 25

Mayor Jennifer Dougherty today addressed the audience gathered outside of City Hall to welcome them to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Celebration on the Hill (COH) Bus event. The COH Bus made a two-hour visit in Frederick during its trek from New York to Washington, D.C.

“I am very honored and touched that The City of Frederick was chosen for this national event,” stated Mayor Dougherty. “This is an opportunity to show our camaraderie and spirit, honoring and remembering those who have fought or are fighting for the gift of life.”

The Mayor had previously invited all City employees to attend the event and during her remarks she recognized several City employees who were cancer survivors. “I applaud you for your strength in getting through a difficult time. You are indeed fortunate to have family, friends and co-workers as a support system.”

Jim Robbins, President of the Frederick County Board for the American Cancer Society, recognized all of the cancer survivors in attendance. He also thanked the volunteers who have helped ACS make progress towards the fight against cancer.

Margie Weaver spoke of her experience as a cancer survivor. She stressed the importance of being informed about treatment and prevention and the value of having a strong network of supportive family and friends. Ms. Weaver encouraged people to get involved with the ACS’ Relay for Life activity.

The COH Bus was parked on Council Street and attendees showed their support for the fight against cancer by signing the shrink-wrapped bus. Cancer control information and smoking cessation materials were available.

Frederick is one of hundreds of cities where the bus is stopping to promote cancer awareness and the importance of support for cancer survivors. A Celebration on the Hill event will be held in Washington D.C. on September 18 & 19 to celebrate cancer survivorship and to empower volunteers to become a political force in the fight against cancer.

The next stop for the COH bus will be Parkersburg, WV on Tuesday, March 26.

#####