Joe Hornaday
Aspiring to further the fight against all types of cancer, organizers have been gearing up for the 14th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Decatur County.
The event, scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 27 and continue until Sunday at 8 a.m., is a yearly tradition at the Decatur County 4-H Fairgrounds.
The Relays are held all over the United States, providing places for members of the community to gather and participate in the eventual stamping out of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one in every three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The Relay for Life has always provided a chance and given opportunities for people to fight back and potentially make a difference in the battle.
Like always, teams participating in the Relay for Life will be taking part in an actual relay, wherein they take turns walking or running around the walking path at the fairgrounds. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event, because cancer never sleeps. The Relay is a fundraising event, and the money will go to further cancer research and benefit the American Cancer Society. Teams can come from businesses, clubs, families, hospitals, churches, schools, service organizations and others.
“It’s still not too late to join,” director for the ACS Lower Eastern Indiana Area Service Center Amy Kinker explained.
Raising money for the research is an important part of the Relay for Life, but it will also be raising awareness of prevention, early detection, treatment and patient support.
When night falls, the luminary ceremony will begin. The light is meant to symbolize hope and perseverance. Prior to that on Saturday, the Cancer Survivor Lap and Brunch will begin at 9 a.m., at which any cancer survivor is welcome. From 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., booths will be set up for visitors that includes meals, games and prizes. The health fair is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by the Fight Back Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. The Luminary Ceremony will begin at 9:30 p.m. Bands, games and music will be provided all day and night.
“The Luminaries is always a very touching part of the ceremony,” Kinker said.
Coordinators have been working hard to add new dimensions to the Relay for Life this year, Kinker added. A new feature, called the Relay Rally, is an event to which everyone is invited. It will feature free food, games and activities.
“They are really putting a lot of effort into growing the event this year,” Kinker said.
More information about the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life can be found on the Web at www.relayforlife.org/decaturcountyin. The site includes information on how to make donations and about the programs, with ways to sign up for the Relay for Life.
