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Cancer awareness initiative is encouraged.
The Relay for Life is still raising cancer awareness, and funds throughout the United States as the next event will be organized Saturday, between 4 and 10 p.m. at the Harry Moore Pavilion at Riverside Park.
All funds will be spent to provide cancer fighters with medical assistance and to support the research of the American Cancer Society. The Relay has spread throughout the whole world over the past 30 years.
The tradition started in 1985 when one man raised around $30,000 by himself to support the people fighting with cancer. This disease has taken its toll on many Americans, so more and more volunteers participate in this event every year to bring their contribution to this initiative.
The Relay event from Harry Moore Pavilion usually gathers 200 participants. Also, 52 cancer survivors participated in the last year’s Relay. Besides raising funds and cancer awareness, this event brings together many people who support, encourage, and inspire one another.
This is the most valuable thing because no one should feel alone in the challenging battle with cancer. Participants come here every year to honor the memory of those who passed away, encourage the cancer fighters, and celebrate survivors.
Every person who has a cancer history is regarded as a cancer survivor. The Relay is divided into two symbolic moments, the first one being the Survivor’s Walk, whereas the second consists of the Luminaria ceremony where all participants light up candles at sunset to honor the memory of the ones they lost to this disease.
The other recreational activities include food, a DJ, games, a silent auction, and many contests. According to Meghan Havill, Relay for Life community manager, families, survivors, and caregivers experience very emotional moments during the event, and the greatest thing is that they have the opportunity of sharing these moments with each other.
The most entertaining moments will be the frozen T-shirt contest and the egg spoon race. Whoever thaws the T-shirt first and gets it on wins the competition. Many teams have signed up to support the Relay fundraising, as already 12 are registered.
Havill stated that the Relay for Life event usually collects between $20,000 and $30,000, which is an impressive amount that will represent a major asset in the fight against this devastating disease.
The honorary survivor of this year will be Roy Sly Jr., 80 years old, who is not only a prostate cancer survivor but he also lost his granddaughter, son, and wife to cancer.
Image Source:Glenorchy Gazette
