For more information, contact:
Virginia Steele
Phone: (901) 486-3906
or
Bonnie Cameron
Phone: (901) 495-3306

Memphis, Tenn., May 18, 2001 - "Celebrate Life," Memphis' first citywide event celebrating cancer survivorship, will take place June 9 at Shelby Farms from noon until 4 p.m. The free event--featuring music, food, children's activities and information--will recognize local cancer survivors and the organizations that provide cancer research, treatment and support.

Piggly Wiggly is the presenting sponsor of Celebrate Life. Other sponsors include Baptist Memorial Health Care, Boston Baskin Cancer Group, Methodist Healthcare, Saint Francis Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and West Cancer Clinic. Media sponsors are WMC Radio (FM 100 and AM 790) and WMC-TV.

"It is unprecedented that these health care organizations, which are usually competitors, have come together to focus on something really important, surviving cancer," said Celebrate Life Chair Virginia Steele. " We're excited that we have top-notch entertainment and activities, but truly this event is about the survivors."

Scheduled to appear at Celebrate Life are:

• National recording artist Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. The Starship scored a string of hits in the 1980's, including four #1 songs: No Way Out, We Built This City, Sara and Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.
• Sonja Christopher, contestant on the first season of the hit CBS show Survivor
  Christopher is also a breast cancer survivor.
• Roger S. Baum, who will sign copies of his best-selling children's book Lion of Oz.
  Baum is the great-grandson of L. Frank Baum, author of the classic book "The Wizard of Oz."
• Singer-songwriter Tricia Walker will perform What a Wonderful Day, a song she wrote for cancer survivors, at the closing ceremonies.

• Local musicians Gerry Finney and "Tom, Dick & Harry"

Activities will be available for the entire family.

In the Survivor Tent attendees may contribute names or artwork to flags in celebration or memory of a loved one. The collection of flags will be raised during the event's closing ceremonies and exhibited at numerous locations in the future. Independent Bank is sponsoring the flag-making and exhibit.

The Family Pavilion will feature children's activities including a petting zoo, pony rides and face painting.

Concessions will be sold at Celebrate Life, but coolers are welcome.

For more information about Celebrate Life, please call 901-683-0055, ext. 1017 or go to the event Web site at www.celebratelifememphis.com.

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