Posted 1:02 am Saturday, March 23, 2013
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Relay for Life set April 26, 27; registration now open
Organizers of Cherokee County's Relay for Life are inviting residents to sign up for the event and join the fight against cancer.
Relay is scheduled to start April 26 and finish the 27th at Jacksonville High School's Mauldin Field.
Relay Chairwoman Cynthia Kline said individuals and teams will walk around the track from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to benefit the American Cancer Society.
"Relay is an amazing night when we all work together to fight this dreadful disease," Ms. Kline said in a news release. "It's like a giant slumber party. We laugh together and cry together, but most importantly, we're all working together to support the American Cancer Society."
During the event, she said children who lost their father to cancer will lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, which, to her, almost symbolizes that they're pledging to fight against the thing that killed their dad.
A group of Rusk students also will lead one of the laps and sing during the Luminaria Ceremony, which is scheduled for 9:30 p.m., she said. Among the other slated activities are laser tag, a Fight Back Ceremony and a chocolate buffet.
Additionally, Ms. Kline said residents between the ages of 30 and 65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, can sign up for a cancer research study.
She said it's a way for them to help in identifying what causes cancer, and significant findings have come out of previous cancer prevention studies.
This year's Relay theme is, "We are Making Cancer History."
So groups are choosing significant events or time frames in history for their team theme, Ms. Kline said, adding the goal is to have 50 teams.
Overall, she said people can expect to have "an amazing time for a great purpose."
"Only with the cooperation of everyone will we find a cure," Ms. Kline said.
She said individuals don't have to be on a team to participate in the "family friendly event," and activities will be available for everyone.
Proceeds will go toward cancer research and to bring services such as gas cards and wigs back to the community, Ms. Kline said. Funds also can be used to sponsor scholarships for cancer survivors who were diagnosed as children, she said.
Other events before Relay include a survivor dinner on Tuesday and a team captain meeting on April 1. Ms. Kline said residents also are encouraged to participate in Paint Cherokee County Purple on April 5.
She said people can display purple ribbons or wear their Relay T-shirt on that day.
According to a news release, people also can contribute to a cookbook by sending a recipe to chero keerelayforlife@yahoo.com.
