The Relay For Life is a yearly event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, a national organization that provide awareness, research, and support for all types of cancer. The 18 hour event begins Friday April 29, 2016 at 6pm and runs until noon on Saturday April 30, 2016 At Nature Coast Technical High School stadium. Even if you don’t participate, it is a great opportunity to come out and support those who are. Many people bring food and merchandise to sell at the event, all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
So far this year 73 teams are participating, 131 survivors, and 85 caregivers and they have raised nearly $70,000.00. This is the 17th year for Springhill and they are currently #4 in the state of Florida. These funds help fund research in the fight against cancer and is also used to help support those fighting. It provides needed rides to and from doctor visits, lodging, 24/7 hotline, and assistance for appearance related side effects of treatment. The funds are also used to help pay for the cost of medication for those who need it. Thanks to cancer research the cancer rate has dropped 22% since 1991.
This year the Relay for Life theme is, “Broadway, Closing the Curtain on Cancer.” Since the event runs through the night, the teams select campsites to rest and sleep if needed. Each team decorates their site based on the theme that year, displays why they are relaying, and references a person or type of cancer they are relaying for if it applies. Every team must have a mission. The event gets underway at 6pm with the survivors’ dinner and the caregiver garden, which is new this year. It allows those who have fought or are fighting cancer a way to say thank you to their caregiver. The evening ceremonies will wrap up at 9 pm with the Luminaria ceremony. A candle is lit in memory of a loved who has battled cancer. Can food is collected which is then donated to people struggling with cancer.
Beginning on Saturday at 9am the Kid’s Walk gets underway. This is a part of the relay that they are really trying to build this year. Many teams of kids will walk, some from local schools, dance studios, or clubs. Kids fighting or who have survived cancer proudly walk as well. These kids throughout the year raise funds all which goes to the American Cancer Society. It is a great way for them to be involved in the community and to raise awareness to the younger generation.
The Relay for Life of Spring Hill continues all year. In the fall, they meet once a month and plan for the yearly relay, followed by a celebration after the relay. Many people make items to sell all year long to raise money. At this month’s meeting I had the pleasure of seeing some of the wonderful items created. One person made ribbon keychains for each type of cancer. Katrina Cleinman, of the Finders team makes beautiful earrings that she sells all year to raise money for the event. Everyone at the meeting was excited to be there and participate and the entire room was filled with an enormous amount of positive energy. Every person is fully dedicated to the cause.
While at the meeting I was able to speak with several people, some with different reasons to participate. Some lost loves one to the battle, others like Diane Thomas says they do it for other reasons. For Diane, it is to support the research in hopes that a cure is found and her kids will never have to experience it. Jennifer Genovese has two daughters Tabitha and Elizabeth co-captains of Sweet Peas, and walk with their team for a teacher at their dance studio.
For those that may not know this is not an actual race, no running is involved. In fact there is no lap requirement, all you need to do is raise funds and be present. This is a family event that is worth checking out. Even though the relay is just around the corner it isn’t too late to get involved. To find out more information on the Relay for Life or to donate you can check out their website http://relay.acsevents.org/site/PageServer?pagename=relay.
If you aren’t able to make the Spring Hill relay, Brooksville also has one on May 14 and information on their relay can be found at their website: http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY16FL?fr_id=71796&pg=entry
Almost every person knows someone who has survived, lost the battle, or is fighting the battle with cancer.
Contact Lizzy Mead:
Lizzy.Mead@cancer.org
813-949-0291 Ext 5612
