Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

I know it has been a while since I’ve posted, but I promise it was worth the wait – because today I have topic that I am positive everyone can relate to in some way, shape, or form.

That topic is Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that I attended last weekend. Those who wish to partake join form a team, collect donations, and take turns walking the track throughout the event. When not on the track, many participants run additional fundraisers created by their teams, such as games and concessions. Entertainment, from bands to dance teams, keeps the energy flowing during the 12-hour event. The purpose of the long time span is so that, by the end of the event, contributors will be able to feel exhaustion similar to that felt by chemotherapy patient after a treatment. During those long hours, however, every penny earned goes towards the American Cancer Society.

In remembrance of Katie Vogel, a wonderful
daughter, teacher, and friend. 

Despite all the fun and games, participants do not forget their true purpose of being there.  The first lap of the occasion is known as the “Survivors Lap,” in which those who have beat cancer walk together to celebrate their victory. Later on is the symbolic and heartfelt Luminaria ceremony. Bags are filled with sand and a candle or, in our case, a glow stick since the event was held indoors. People can honor a loved one lost to cancer by making a donation to have one of the bags labeled with that person’s name. Volunteers arrange the bags around the track and in the form of the word “Cure,” and they are kept there as a form of remembrance for the rest of Relay. The final ritual is the Fight Back ceremony, in which everyone makes a pledge to do something simple, like creating awareness about cancer or eating healthier, to help create a world with less cancer.

No one can turn a blind eye to raising money for cancer research. Almost everyone I know has had an experience with it, whether they had it themselves or a family member, friend, teacher, or coworker has experience it. So if you are willing to join the fight, Relay for Life is for you.

For more information about Relay for Life, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/.