The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. One important aspect of the upcoming American Cancer Society Relay For Life® of Tolland County is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events. As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of candles illuminated in bags called luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those gone too soon. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer, and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor. Luminaria will be lit at Tolland High School on June 7 at 9pm to represent these individuals. For a donation of $5, anyone desiring to honor or remember someone with a luminaria may do so by contacting Colleen at (860)878-8078 or by email at RFLTollandCommittee@yahoo.com or by visiting www.relayforlife.org/tollandcountyct. It is a beautiful sight when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track, the Luminaria Ceremony is a moving way to celebrate what cancer survivors have overcome, while motivating the community to continue to fight the disease that claims too many lives. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups – people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. Prior to the Luminaria Ceremony, the Survivors Lap will kick off the 2013 Relay For Life of Tolland County on June 7 at 6pm as survivors and their caregivers will circle the track, surrounded by friends and family cheering them on. Also a part of the Relay For Life event is the “Fight Back” Ceremony, in which a community leader will inspire Relay participants with his or her own commitment and will challenge them to take a personal pledge of action (e.g., stop smoking, healthier eating habits, exercise regularly, etc.) in fighting back. Everyone’s reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you help the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. For information about making a luminaria donation, forming a team, or walking in the Survivors Lap, please call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.RelayForLife.org/tollandcountyct
