Ambassador chosen to represent area

michele@theheraldnewspapers.com On September 19-20, 2006, nearly 4,000 American Cancer Society “Celebration Ambassadors” will gather in Washington, DC for Celebration on the Hill 2006—a unique event that will show our country’s lawmakers how the American Cancer Society is waging the fight against cancer in communities nationwide. Gregory Payne, who puts out the What-To-Do® Smoky Mountains Lodging Guide, has been chosen as Ambassador for this year’s event. “I was given a second chance,” stated Payne. “I spent 18 months on chemo and I’m hoping my efforts will maybe make a path a little easier than what I went through.”Launched in 2002, Celebration on the Hill put a personal face on the fight against cancer. Ambassadors from every single legislative district formed an impressive grassroots force that successfully communicated the American Cancer Society story, convincing our national leaders to increase their commitment to battling the disease on all fronts research, education, advocacy and patient services.But, there is more to be done.Organized by the American Cancer Society’s sister issue advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Networks, Ambassadors will once again come to the nation’s capital to meet with their members of Congress and let them know that fighting cancer is a priority to their constituents back home.Joined by thousands of additional survivors and volunteers from across the country, these Celebration Ambassadors will unite on the National Mall for a Relay For Life Celebration from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on September 20. “Hiliary Clinton will be our guest speaker at the rally in Washington,” stated Payne. “We are taking 800 banners from across the country with over three million signatures from various events. What we have done is taken the cause from the grass roots level and took it to Washington D.C.” According to Payne, the Celebration on the Hill began in 2002. In true Relay For Life style, tents (one for each state) will line a track, and a large stage will host a variety of entertainment. But, the real stars of the event will be the courageous cancer survivors who will be honored in many ways, including special victory laps and ceremonies.At dusk, thousands of luminaries purchased by individuals throughout the United States will be lit around the nation’s Reflecting Pool to honor all people who have triumphed over cancer and to remember all those who have been lost.