National Relay For Life movement has local angle

Candlelight vigil honors Sullivan residents lost to disease

MONTICELLO, NY—Sullivan County residents will join 3,800 other communities across America to celebrate survivorship and hope at the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. The overnight event is a movement that has swept the nation since its inception in 1985.

Relay For Life is the largest grassroots fundraiser in the world and is designed to give everyone an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. This year, vigils will be held at the Town of Thompson Park from 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7 to 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, and at Port Jervis High School from 5:00 p.m. on Saturday to 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Survivors of all ages will walk victory laps around tracks and friends will honor loved ones lost to the disease in an evening candlelight vigil. Caregivers will also be honored with a special ceremony and lap in their honor. The overnight event joins teams of eight to 15 people who camp out at community sites and take turns circling a track or path to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services in the community.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk, run, or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area as participants make new friends and spend time with old ones. Highlighting the evening is the luminaria service held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

For those who participate in Relay For Life, the event represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that the disease will be one day be eliminated. Since the first Relay For Life was held in 1985 in Tacoma, WA, the event has raised over $977 million. In 2003, Relay For Life will break the $1 billion mark.

“Relay For Life truly embodies the spirit of the American Cancer Society,” said Tina Batista, Director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society. “Besides raising much-need funds for cancer research, programs and services, Relay raises awareness about the disease and brings the community together.”

For more information call 800/ACS-2345 or visit cancer.org.