Relay for Life set for April 30-May 1
From a press release:
Northwest Harris County walkers will go around the clock to fight cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Northwest Harris County. Teams of supporters stay up all night because cancer never sleeps.
Teams will gather at Klein Oak High School overnight to join the fight against cancer from 7 p.m. on April 30 until 7 a.m. on May 1, 2010.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people every year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against a disease that takes so much.
Last year's event included 67 teams that helped to raise $165,000. This year's goal is to register 80 teams and raise $200,000.
Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) and caregivers walk or use a wheelchair to complete the first lap. This is an emotional time that sets the stage of the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere develops around the track. As walkers 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.
Highlighting the evening is the luminaria ceremony that takes place after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those lost. Luminaria line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the importance of their efforts.
"Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser," said Ashley McAuley, event chair and cancer survivor. "Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment."
This year's event has been selected to participate in the CPS-3 study. Earlier CPS studies linked smoking to cancer. This study is open to people between the ages of 30 and 65.
Information on forming a team or becoming involved in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Northwest Harris County is available at www.relayforlife.org/northwesttx. For more information about cancer, call the American Cancer Society's 24-hour help-line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
The next team captain meeting is scheduled for January 21 at Willowbrook Methodist Hospital at 6:30 p.m.
