Cancer is a disease that touches everyone. Now the American Cancer Society is offering a way to honor and remember individuals who face cancer in a way that gives hope to others.

The American Cancer Society's Memorial and Honor Gifts program is an opportunity to remember or honor loved ones, especially those who have faced cancer. Memorial gifts are donations in memory of someone who has died; honor gifts are donations made to recognize someone living. For example, honor gifts can celebrate a cancer patient's survival. They can also be used to commemorate a special occasion like a birthday, wedding or anniversary.

"I can't think of a better way to remember and honor the people close to me," said Marlene Davis, an American Cancer Society volunteer. "Memorial and honor gifts are a great way to support the American Cancer Society and help eliminate cancer."

Memorial and honor gifts are acknowledged by a card that is sent to the designated family member or to the honoree. The donor also receives an acknowledgement and a receipt for the tax-deductible donation.

Clarke County residents may send Memorial and Honor Gifts to: Marlene Davis, 106 Jay Circle, Jackson, AL 36545.

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. For information about cancer, or to make a donation, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

American Cancer Society (Choctaw, Clarke, Washington counties), 103 Dolphin Dr. Thomasville, AL 36784 or phone, 334-636-1418, or fax to 334-636-2275.

Cancer information can also be obtained at 1-800-ACS-2345 www-cancer-org.