AFTER LAST year's successful inaugural staging, the Jamaica Cancer Society will again host Relay for Life at the Barbican Football Field, East Kings House Road, St. Andrew, from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 12 to 6:00 a.m. Sunday, June 13.
'Relay For Life' is the Cancer Society's version of a relay with a meaningful and exciting twist. It is a family-oriented, overnight team event where participants, representing corporations, clubs, organisations, neighbourhoods and families, can walk or run on a track relay style for 12 hours.
Participants camp out around the track, and when they aren't taking their turn, participate in other fun activities. Participants include individuals, families and teams from companies and organisations, along with cancer patients and their families and friends, whose presence help to make the point that through the work of the Society, the battle against cancer is being won.
According to the chairman of the Relay For Life Committee, Carlton Levy, "We're quite happy with the response we got last year and anticipate that this year's Relay For Life will see even greater participation from the public. This event is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund-raiser.
ENCOURAGING
"The involvement of cancer survivors in Relay For Life is especially encouraging, as it is proof of the progress that has been made not only in cancer cure rates but in the quality of life following cancer treatment. Relay for life is more than just a fun run, it is a celebration of life," Mr. Levy stated.
Relay For Life began in May 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt who took the first step of his 24-hour walk/jog/run around a Tacoma, Washington, track and raised $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, 220 supporters on 19 teams joined Dr. Klatt in this overnight event and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life was born.
Over the last 17 years, Relay For Life has spread to 3,000 communities in the United States and seven foreign countries. What began as one man's statement in the fight against cancer has led to the American Cancer Society developing a worldwide movement to end cancer.
Last year, the Luminary Ceremony, one of the emotional highlights of the evening, saw over 1,000 lit candles in white paper bags circling the field with names written on them in honour of those fighting this terrible disease and to remember those who have lost the battle to cancer.
