What is Relay?

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loves ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay events, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay events are up to 24 hours long.

Each year, more than 3.5 million people in more than 5,100 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other counties, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays - a world where cancer never steals another year of anyone’s life.

Celebrating Survivors

A survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words “You have cancer.” We invite all cancer survivors in the community to attend Relay For Life because they are the reason we relay.

Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer – so they can celebrate another birthday. This year, nearly 12 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants.

Survivors are the guests of honor at Relay events. There may be special T-shirts or sashes or a special reception for survivors and caregivers. Most Relay events open with the Survivors Lap, where survivors lead the way around the track while participants honor and applaud them. Being a part of the Survivors Lap allows survivors to celebrate what they’ve overcome while inspiring and motivating their community to fight. Survivors are proof that cancer can be defeated.

A Chance to Remember

One important aspect of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. One of the most moving parts of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony.

As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those gone too soon. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.


Why Relay?

Everyone’s reason to relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay events, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.

No matter why you take part in a Relay event, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you help the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or steal another year of anyone’s life.

For more information:

Visit RelayForLife.org

http://www.gwinnettrelayforlife.org/

Source:

American Cancer Society – cancer.org

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