Friday, June 13, 2008
Douglas County’s annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life is expected to have about 900 attendees at Free State High School Friday.
Activities are planned from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones who have died and raise money for cancer research. According to the American Cancer Society, 225 survivors attended last year’s event and at least that many are expected this year.
“I think it’s a good way for people to reflect and remember how important it is to fight this disease,” said Stacie Schroeder, American Cancer Society community manager. “It’s great for cancer survivors to get involved and do something for a stable life.”
Schroeder said during the event, cancer survivors are the first to walk a lap around the track, followed by a survivor celebration. Seventy-six teams, consisting of 8 to 15 volunteers, are expected for this year’s events. During the 12-hour-relay, one member of each team has to be walking around the track at all times.
“I started as a volunteer,” Schroeder said. “It’s important to come and remember those who we’ve lost, to celebrate those who have overcome cancer and to show support to those still battling.”
Throughout the night, there will be games and activities to entertain participants while they are not walking, including the “Ceremony of Hope.” Luminaria, which are bags filled with candles, will be lit in honor of those who have been affected by cancer during the ceremony. Luminarias can be purchased either in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of someone who died from cancer.
“It’s one of the most beautiful things,” Ashley Hersh, Topeka senior, said. “The night is lit up with candles that are completely filled with hope. The bags line the track showing survivors we honor them.”
Donations from the Luminaria and money raised from each team are spent locally to raise cancer awareness. Schroeder said last year Relay for Life raised almost $170,000 and this year they were on track to do the same.
Schroeder said the money raised was spent in four different ways: research, patient services, education and advocacy. The majority of the money goes to cancer research. The money spent on patient services encompasses several programs in Douglas County for cancer patients to utilize. Education money goes toward talking with people on how to prevent cancer. The money spent on advocacy deals with the issue of how people in the community can talk to lawmakers about funding research.
This event is open to all of Douglas County. Schroeder encouraged community members to get involved in any way they can. She said they can participate for any amount of time or give any amount of money. Even if they can only come for one lap, Schroeder said, every little bit helped.
“I’ve done a full night of Relay, camping out on the track with a team, but I’ve also just stopped by to do a few laps,” Hannah Seger, Amherst, Mass., senior, said. “I think it’s an important event to support, no matter how much time I give. I want to show my support and I want people to be aware that cancer is a fight you can win.”
— Edited by Matt Hirschfeld
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