Friday, April 9, 2010 starting at 3pm
Franklin & Marshall College
joe.joyce@cancer.org
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the biggest celebration on campus for a great cause- fighting back against cancer! This life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. All youth participants are encouraged to raise $100; at Relay, teams camp out overnight, taking turns walking or running around a track. The event is held overnight to represent the day in the life of a cancer patient; just as a cancer patient cannot walk away from cancer neither will our Relay teams; therefore, one person from each team must be on the track at all times. Teams can be made up of friends, dorms, Greek organizations, sports teams, etc.
Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.
Celebrate - The Survivors Ceremony/Lap
The Survivors Ceremony/Lap is an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track. College Relays are unique for we also honor “Virtual Survivors,” this is where a student will walk the lap in honor of a friend or loved one back home who is currently battling cancer and cannot attend and participate in the event.
Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony
After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.
Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony
Last, there is the Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer whether it is creating awareness by telling the women in your life to get a mammogram or living a healthier lifestyle by exercising 20 minutes or more or a pledge to raise the suggested $100.
No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay and you can make a difference today by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.
Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.
For more information about Relay For Life, visit our Relay For Life information page.
