Community Rallies for Upcoming Relay For Life Event

My article from the May 27, 2015 issue of the Polk County Pulse

Living in an area where the word “cancer” is heard much too often, it is good to know there are people doing something about it — namely, participating in the Relay for Life.

Relay is an overnight event designed to promote cancer awareness while raising funds to fight the disease.  This year’s Relay For Life of Polk County will be held Friday May 29th at Janssen Park in Mena.

The opening ceremony is 6 p.m. Friday.  The Relay For Life event opens with an inspirational Survivors Lap that symbolizes the steps we are taking toward saving lives. Cancer survivors will wear purple sashes and take the first lap. The opening ceremony honors survivors and caregivers, but everyone is invited to show their support.  From that time on, the object is to keep someone from each of the Relay teams on the walking track at all times until the conclusion of the event.

The community is invited come out and enjoy the evening.  Each Relay team will be fundraising with food for sale, games, and entertainment.  There will be live music and activities.  After dark there will be a Luminaria Ceremony honoring those who are battling cancer and remembering those we have lost to the disease.  Lighted luminaria will line the track and the names will be read.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest movement to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against this disease.   Relay For Life brings together 3.5 million people each year to raise much-needed funds and awareness that enable the American Cancer Society to help people stay well, help people get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer. Together with the support of the dedicated volunteers of Relay For Life of Polk County these events are making a difference.

Nearly every person who participates in Relay For Life has been touched by cancer in some way and has a unique and personal story to tell. It’s these stories that motivate and inspire us to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer. Relay For Life unites our community in an effort to find cures for cancer.  Join the hard working volunteers of Polk County at Relay For Life on May 29th.