Fifty-four teams will meet at Circle Park at 5 p.m. tomorrow, April 17, to participate in Relay for Life®, the American Cancer Society’s signature event. Each year, Relay for Life® brings together more than 3.5 million people from 4,900 communities across the country to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against a disease that takes too much.
A survivor reception kicks off the event and invites survivors to share their personal stories. Between 850 and 900 participants will begin the relay around the Torchbearer at 7 p.m., and continue until 6 a.m. Saturday.
The fun-filled, overnight event is meant to empower everyone to help fight cancer by raising money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. Teams of people camp out at local high schools, parks, or fairgrounds 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. Relay For Life® symbolizes the hope that people lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face the disease have support, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.