American Cancer Society Relay For Life
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From 8:00 am on Saturday until 8:00 am on Sunday, hundreds of people gathered in Riverwalk Park for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Teams from all the area's major companies as well as friends and supporters pitched their tents, dressed with a theme, and came together to support the fight against cancer. For 24 hours the teams take turns walking the park so that each team has a representative on the walk at all times as a reminder that cancer never sleeps.
"Relay For Life is a unique opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together to honor those that are battling the disease, remember loved ones lost to cancer and band together in their fight
against cancer," said Kristin Hetzel, Community Representative from the Bay County Chapter office.
Relays are held nation wide during the summer months. At the heart of every relay is the Luminaria Ceremony which is held after sunset. Small candlelit paper bags, decorated with the names, pictures, and messages of love and hope for people who have faced cancer line the paths. The candles are lit at sunset and burn through the night marking the trail for walkers. "The sight of the luminaries glowing in the darkness is breathtaking," said Hetzel.
At the lighting of the Luminaria Ceremony every person receives a candle and passes the light from one to another. To the accompaniment of music, the names of cancer victims and survivors are scrolled across the screen as the silent watchers remembered and honored their friends and loved ones.
Following the ceremony the mood changed to celebration and street party as teams walked and visited. Many teams sold food and souvenirs to raise even more money for the cause.
More information is available on-line at www.acsevents.org/relay/mi/bay.
Relay has become the Society's signature event and has been bringing cancer survivors and anyone touched by the disease together since 1985. The first Relay For Life was held in Tacoma, Washington when it's founder, Dr. Gordy Klatt, decided to run for 24 hours at his local high school's track with the idea that cancer never sleeps. That year Dr. Klatt raised about $27,000 for the American Cancer Society and invited teams of friends and families to join him in the future. Today, more than 4,000 communities across American host their own Relay For Life and the event has raised more one billion dollars for the fight against cancer.
For more information anytime, call toll free 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
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