Three local people, a couple and two broadcast companies were honored recently during the American Cancer Society Volunteer Celebration dinner in Bangor.

Lura Raymond of Orono received a 2007 American Cancer Society Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award.

The University of Maine student was honored for her years as a dedicated volunteer with the American Cancer Society.

“Lura first connected with the American Cancer Society when she was still a child in middle school after the loss of her mother to cancer,” said Meredith Tipton, member of the New England Division board of directors.

“She began a youth team at the Old Town Middle School, and since then she has captained many Relay For Life teams throughout her school and college years,” Tipton said.

Raymond served as a Celebration on the Hill ambassador in 2006 and participated in the National Collegiate Summit this fall in Dallas to share her passion with fellow youth leaders from all over the country.

“Her passion, dedication and hope are an inspiration to her family, friends and community,” said Tipton.

The Labaree Awards honor the late Sandra C. Labaree, a longtime ACS volunteer from Maine and a founding member of the New England Division board of directors. The awards recognize and honor New England volunteers whose actions and service in the fight against cancer exemplify ACS values.

Anita Farris of Bradley, the recipient of a 2007 American Cancer Society Cancer Control Life Saver Award, was honored for being a dedicated volunteer with the society.

“Anita participated as a team member at the Relay For Life of Old Town for several years, then started her own team after losing her father to cancer,” said Dawn Gray, community executive with ACS. Farris now heads up all cancer education activities at the relay before and during the event.

“Her commitment to help others, spread cancer information and inform those in the community about the programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society are unmatched in Penobscot County,” said Gray.

Mike and Denise Trafton of Corinth were honored with a 2007 Special Recognition Award for their work with the Relay For Life of Old Town.

“Over the past couple of years, Mike and Denise Trafton have been instrumental in bringing our survivor activities to new heights at the Relay For Life of Old Town, one of the largest events in Maine,” said Mike Hart, community executive for ACS.

“They have taken what used to be just the Survivor Lap to an entire evening of activities, including not only the introductory lap, but also a survivor reception with food and featured speakers, and a nice time for people to sit and share stories with each other,” he said.

The Traftons have kept their team going for many years while also pitching in to help with planning and coordinating the event in Old Town.

Dan Bahr of Orrington was honored with a 2007 Income Development Award for his work with the Relay For Life of Hancock County.

“When Dan heard the words ‘you have cancer,’ he made a commitment to do all that he could to make a difference to those fighting cancer and honor those we have lost,” said Gray. “He worked on the planning committee and served as both the advocacy chairman and the event chair for the Relay event in Ellsworth.”

In 2006, Dan participated at Celebration on the Hill as an ambassador, helping to bring the concerns of cancer survivors and their families to legislators in Washington.

“Dan empowered his fellow volunteers and helped to increase funds at his local Relay by over 35 percent in 2007,” Gray said. “That’s a lot of money to fight cancer.”

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s version of an athletic relay – a family-oriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team and raise funds to support activities of the society. Teams of eight to 15 members from companies, religious and other organizations, hospitals and schools seek sponsorships, then camp out at the relay site. When they are not taking their turn walking, they enjoy fun activities and entertainment.

To learn more about Relay For Life, call (800) 227-2345.

WVII-TV Channel 7 was recognized as an outstanding media sponsor for its continued support of the American Cancer Society.

“Bangor’s WVII-7 has been a media sponsor of our Relay For Life events in Old Town and Ellsworth for eight years and has also supported the Skowhegan and Midcoast events,” said Sue Clifford, director of communications for ACS. “In addition, they help us get the word out to support our Daffodil Days campaign held statewide each year in March. We thank WVII-7 for helping to make this year one of our most successful ever.”

Accepting the award on behalf of WVII were Jayson Maker and Amy Belanger.

Cumulus Broadcasting of Brewer was recognized as an outstanding media sponsor for its continued support of the ACS events and programs.

“Our friends from Cumulus Broadcasting include the radio stations of Z-107, Q106.5, Magic 95.7 and WEZQ,” said Clifford. “They have been instrumental in the success of our Relay For Life events in Old Town, Ellsworth and UMaine.”

Cumulus helped the American Cancer Society raise funds through Daffodil Days. Its radio stations helped get the word out about Camp Rainbow, the society’s summer camp in Ellsworth for kids with cancer, and the Road to Recovery program which helps cancer patients get to and from lifesaving treatment appointments.

“Cumulus is a valued partner of the American Cancer Society,” said Clifford. Accepting the award on behalf of Cumulus was Mary Ellen Warman.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Call (800) 227-2345 day or night for cancer information or connections to services for cancer patients, or simply to talk with a caring person when you or a family member needs strength and encouragement.