Palo Altans will move around the clock in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This 24-hour “celebration of life” brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.
Teams will gather at Palo Alto High School for an overnight relay against cancer from 10 am on August 19 until 10am on August 20.
Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life— including survivors, patients and their families, and medical support staff—as well as corporations, civic organizations, places of worship and community groups — to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.
Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events. As you make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other: eating, playing games, and, of course, walking for a great cause.
The evening culminates with the Luminaria Ceremony, held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminarias line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.
Relay For Life is as much an awareness-raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser. Many of the participants are people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.
“The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients,” said Jess Herrera, American Cancer Society representative. “We are looking for teams of family, friends and co-workers who are willing to take up the fight against cancer by participating in this important event. The money raised by teams and sponsors from the Palo Alto community goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs and services.”
Information about how to form a team, participate in the Survivor's Lap, or become involved in any way with Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 408.688.0108 or by emailing jess.herrera@cancer.org.
