The American Cancer Society marks its 26th year with Relay for Life, a signature event that honors those who have lost their battle with cancer, those who have survived and still fight the battle, and those who stand united with each other to advance the discovery of cures that will one day end the menace. The battle cry of the 24 hour event is “Cancer never sleeps so neither do we!”
Ashe County’s Relay for Life event will take place Friday, July 15 through Saturday, July 16 at Ashe County High School track and football stadium. The event starts at 6 p.m. on Friday night with special activities, the introduction of teams, and a survivors lap. All participants have a white Relay for Life t-shirt, but survivors receive special recognition by wearing their own purple shirts.
Adam Binder, the American Cancer Society’s Community Manager for Ashe County said, “When the sun goes down, we have a luminaria ceremony where the track is lined with white luminaria bags that people have purchased to remember either someone they have lost, someone who is battling cancer, or has beaten cancer. We light candles and have a silent lap in their honor and memory. This is a very emotional part of Relay.”
After the opening ceremony, walkers take to the track and try to keep one member of their team walking at all times. Other team members return to their tents where on-site fundraisers are conducted and where those who have lost their fight with cancer, and those who are fighting, are remembered.
Binder said there would be music, performers, and other activities throughout the event.
Supporting the event allows you to do your part in developing cures, and spreading the word about an insidious disease that is the number two killer in America that will claim 1,500 lives a day this year.
Money raised through Relay goes to advance research and advocacy efforts that include working with lawmakers to ensure cancer research receives adequate funding, and to make sure cancer patients receive quality care and respect.
Other ways to help support Relay for Life include the “Villages of Ashe Second Annual Fun Dog Show to benefit Ashe County Relay for Life.” That event kicks off on July 9 at 4 p.m. at The Villages of Ashe in West Jefferson. Numerous food and craft vendors will be present at Relay, as well as Ashe County Celebrity Judges including Jan Caddell from 580 WKSK.
“We’re saving lives and creating more birthdays with the community’s support,” said Binder.
For registration information or questions, contact Adam Binder at (828) 406-4429 or Adam.Binder@cancer.org, or Susan Banks at (336) 846-3246 ext. 320, or Sbanks@leviton.com.
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