Relay for Life is an ongoing effort to raise money for cancer research and to give assistance to people who are dealing with cancer and their families. Teams form, often in honor or in memory of someone with cancer, and start raising money several months prior to the main Relay event.
Relay for Life is NOT a race or a marathon or even a long walk. People can attend Relay and get no physical exercise at all if they choose. We ask that each team have a representative walking on the track at all times during the night to show their commitment to the ongoing fight against cancer, but nobody is forced to walk.
Relay night is a time of fun, food and fellowship. The teams set up booths with food and games, we have a silent auction to browse through, live bands come out to play, people wander around from booth to booth and just enjoy the fun.
One of the most important things about Relay for Life is that it’s a time to Celebrate and Remember. We have a special recognition celebration for survivors in the evening before it gets dark. We also recognize the caregivers. After dark we have a Luminaria Ceremony where luminary bags are lit in honor and in memory of those with cancer and their names are read. It’s a beautiful and touching time.
Who is a survivor? Anyone who has ever been told the words, “You have cancer.” If you’re currently undergoing treatment, you’re a survivor. If you’re in remission, you’re a survivor. If you’ve been cancer free for years, you’re a survivor. If you just found out yesterday, you’re a survivor.
Who can participate in Relay? Anybody and everybody. You’re never too old or too young. All you need is a heart willing to help in the fight against cancer. Registration is quick and simple at the Relay for Life website. Our theme for the 2010 Relay is “Surviving Through the Centuries”. We’re asking teams to pick an era or a theme within an era for their team theme – a few ideas are Wild West, Roaring 20s, Woodstock, Gone With the Wind/Civil War, Reality TV, The Future. A list of possible eras/themes is up on the Cheatham Co. Relay for Life website.
Now is the perfect time to get your team started. The holiday season is a great time to start fundraising. A team that sets a goal of $1000 now only has to raise about $150 a month from December to June to meet their goal. Imagine what Cheatham Co. could do to help cancer research and our families suffering with cancer if 20 teams raise $2000 each … To get started now go to http://relayforlife.org/cheatham The website has links for registration, ideas for fundraising, Team Captain tips, luminaria orders and a wealth of information. Everyone has been touched by cancer. Now is the time to fight back.
