American cancer society relay for life

American cancer society relay for life

Written by Katherine Kennedy Saturday, 07 April 2007

Run celebrates life, highlights cancer battle

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life serves as a community event in the fight against cancer.

“Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated,” said Rachel Mallernee, the Central Texas Region community manager. “It is a community-owned event; each community owns their relay and is able to give in their own way to survivors. The participants who have been survivors for 10, 20, even 30 years provide a great deal of hope for those who have recently been diagnosed.”

American Cancer Society started the relay to raise money to help prevent cancer, save lives and diminish suffering from the disease.

“There is a survivor celebration, which includes a dinner and a survivor lap in which all survivors walk around the track together while the community cheers them on, a luminaria ceremony, to remember those whose lives have been touched by cancer, local entertainment, on-site fund-raising and community fellowship,” Mallernee said.

Entertainment for the relay includes entertainer Spirit of Elvis, UT Bike Group Texas 4000, Blue Howlers band, soloist Shawn Davenport, speaker Lily Gross, soloist Judy Arnold, Pflaming Glory and the Good Shepherd Church Praise Team.

“Participating in the relay is a fun opportunity to fight back against cancer so that we can one day reach our goal of no one having to hear the words ‘you have cancer,’” Mallernee said. “Everyone is welcome to attend the relay for Life, even if they aren’t going to participate. People don’t have to register to enjoy the fun, and the event benefits all who are involved.”

Each year, 91,000 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer, and 34,000 will lose their battle. The relay serves as a reminder of those who have lost their lives to cancer and honor survivors.

“Relay for Life is a catalyst to get the message to the community. Every individual comes together to fight cancer,” Central Texas Region Community Manager Meredith Maples said. “It is a catalyst to celebrate survivors and care givers. It shows that the community supports and welcomes them with open arms.”

Money raised from the relay goes toward funding research, education, advocacy, services and programs in the community.

“We are here for all cancer patients, survivors, families and friends who have been touched by the disease. We offer guidelines for early detection and prevention,” Mallernee said. “American Cancer Society is local, and we are here to help in any way we can. Through us, everyone has access to services as well as the opportunity to give back.”

Volunteers are an important part of the organization and contribute to its success.

“Without volunteers, we could not be successful. We are the largest volunteer driven non-profit organization in the United States,” Central Texas Regional Director of Communications Flor Zapotechne said.

The relay is held through the night because cancer does not stop for nighttime

• The light and darkness parallel the physical effects, emotions and mental state of a cancer patient undergoing treatment.
• The relay begins in the evening, symbolizing when a person is diagnosed with cancer.
• The 2 a.m. hour represents the patient starting treatment. They become exhausted, sick, not wanting to go on, possibly wanting to give up.
• The 5 a.m. hour symbolizes the end of treatment. The light can be seen and life will go on.
• The end of the relay signifies the cancer patient leaving their last treatment. Both the cancer patient and the relay participant are weak and exhausted, but resolved to make it through.

Scene from the 2006 Cedar Park Relay for Life

Cedar Park Relay, April 27, Running Brushy Middle School, www.acsevents.org/cedarparktx

American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 2433 Ridgepoint Drive, Ste. B • Austin TX, 919-1800 • www.cancer.org • 1-800-ACS-2345