Relay for Life
Relay for Life West County will be held at Parkway Central High School on June 6-7.
Make a Donation or join our team for 2008! Watch this NEW touching video about Relay for Life!
What is Relay for Life about?
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community a chance to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of 8 to 15 people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are 12 to 24 hours in length and go overnight.
Because Relay For Life is a community gathering rather than an athletic event, anyone and everyone can participate. Teams form from businesses, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, churches, schools, and service organizations. Team members share a common purpose — to support the American Cancer Society’s mission.
Relay For Life also raises funds. Each team member is asked to raise a minimum of $100 before the event. Teams solicit donations, have garage sales, hold car washes, and more. If you need more help or have any other questions about Relay For Life, contact your local ACS office or call 1-800-ACS-2345.
Why Relay?
The power of Relay is that it allows a community to grieve for those lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have survived. For the newly diagnosed, offers a chance to meet someone who has survived the same type of cancer. For the cancer patient in treatment, Relay provides an opportunity to share with others. For the long-term survivor, Relay brings a community’s recognition of the struggle and closure to a trying time in life.
Caregivers also find hope in Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love and support to friends, family, and neighbors who face cancer. At Relay, everyone understands the challenges and joys of being a caregiver. There is peace of mind knowing that together we can face the challenges ahead.
How did Relay begin?
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and avid runner, took the first step of his 24-hour walk/run around a track in Tacoma, Washington. He clocked 83 miles, raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, 220 supporters on 19 teams joined Dr. Klatt in this overnight event, and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life was born.
Over the last 17 years, Relay For Life has spread to 3,000 communities in the United States and seven foreign countries. What began as one man’s statement in the fight against cancer has led to the development of a worldwide event to help banish cancer.
What is a luminary?
At 9pm on relay night the luminary ceremony will begin. The luminaries - a paper sack filled with an inch or so of sand supporting a lighted candle- is a Relay for Life tradition. It is a time to remember those we have lost to cancer, to support those who currently have cancer, and to honor those who have fought cancer in the past. The power of this ceremony lies in providing an opportunity for people to work through grief and find hope. When lit, the hundreds of luminaries lining the track brighten the way for the Relay For Life walkers. All proceeds from the luminary sales will benefit the Relay For Life. These bags are placed around the inside of the Relay track and provide a moving message for all.
For a contribution of $5, you can sponsor a glowing tribute to a loved one, and join a heartfelt ceremony that reminds us that cancer touches us all.