Talon Flight takes up fight against cancer Published May 16, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- Cancer touches every one in some way or another. Cancer touched so many lives in the Talon Flight of the 580th Aircraft Sustainment Group, the flight decided to stand up and say "enough." "We are taught to be aggressive in the name of the warfighter. This time we are fighting our own war against cancer," said Donna Hartnett, High Velocity Maintenance Team member. The group was determined to take action against the killer responsible for nearly 23 percent of all deaths in the U.S. in 2005. It decided the best way to fight back was through funding research. "I want to see a cure for my children and grandchildren so they don't have to deal with cancer," said Terri Harrison, flight chief for fixed-wing in Robins Supply Chain Management. The group decided to start a Relay for Life team. Though the group is still an infant in its commitment to the fight against cancer, the team raised over $10,000 last year and is determined to surpass that this year. It all started because several members of their team were diagnosed with cancer. "When you sit there and you are watching your coworkers suffer from cancer, it's a real motivator," Ms. Hartnett said. The team is willing to try everything and anything to raise funds for the American Cancer Society including joining with a Byron retailer, Dress Barn. "It was a no-brainer because they match our funds," said Tommie Huff, item management specialist with Supply Chain Manage-ment in the Global Logistic Support Center. The team has made holiday baskets such as Valentine's Day or Easter baskets and handmade quilts to be raffled off. The team also did a bake sale, a book sale and a fashion show. "Last year, we even did dog training classes," Ms. Harnett said. The team said last year they were inexperienced. They are hoping their experiences from last year will help them raise even more this year. "We did pretty good for being blindfolded," said Ms. Huff about their first year as a Relay for Life team. One lesson the team learned was that the more support from both the base and outside communities, the better the results. "Our team just keeps growing because we are always telling people what we are doing and getting them to join our team," Ms. Hartnett said. The team has added members from other areas on the base and has invited numerous off-base industry partners to join their fight against cancer. After months of fundraisers the team has big plans for the relay itself. The team plans to do a demonstration about therapy dogs and dog agility tests. The team will also offer face painting and will sell all sorts of flashing gadgets. "Things that light up -- that's what the people like," Ms. Huff said. The team will also raffle off several prizes at the relay, such as gift cards, golf accessories and watches. "It's a whole lot of fun and it's a great place for people to come together if they've been touched by cancer," said Heather Gilbert, senior community manager for the American Cancer Society. Ms. Gil-bert added there will be lots of food, fun and entertainment available from the more than 90 teams participating. There will also be a children's area with bouncy castles and dunking booths. "You name it, we've got it going on," Ms. Gilbert said. Ms. Gilbert said many other base contractors and units also participate in the event. Another way people can get involved in the fight against cancer during the relay is by participating in the Cancer Prevention Study-3 Friday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Any one age 30 to 65,who has never had cancer, is encouraged to participate. The study includes a health test including a sample of blood and the willingness to continue taking surveys for 20 years. "We are basically trying to make connections between genetics and lifestyle choices and cancer," Ms. Gilbert said.