“Imagine a world with more birthdays” is the theme for the 13th annual Relay for Life, which begins Friday evening, June 4th at Greenbrook Park.
Chris Summers, Community Representative for the American Cancer Society, says thanks to funds raised through efforts like Relay for Life, more cancer survivors are celebrating more birthdays. “Our theme is “Imagine a world with more birthdays” The reason we chose that theme is because through our research and patient services, we help provide more birthdays for cancer survivors. We want cancer survivors to have more birthdays with their families and in our communities. So our theme this year is “Imagine a world with more birthdays.” At the campsites when you come to Relay we’ll be doing birthday parties. I personally love our theme. It’s been very well received. How cool is that to say that we help provide birthdays for more cancer survivors? Cancer survivors are surviving longer. There are more battles being won. It’s very humbling. I am proud to play a role in that and so is our entire Relay for Life planning committee and our teams.”
Casey Midgett, the 2010 DeKalb County Chairman for Relay, says this year’s program will start with entertainment at around five o’clock. “We have groups coming in to sing from five o’clock all the way til past midnight. Every possible variety of music will be included. We’re also going to have some drama teams there. It’s going to be something that everybody will enjoy. There is truly something for everybody. Of course, we’ll have all the booths again this year with all the wonderful food that everyone looks forward to each year. All of our main stays are back plus we’ve picked up a couple of new teams this year. I look forward to it being a lot of fun. Some of the teams are going to do things a little different this year. We’re going to have a lot more for the kids. We’ll have some big inflatables, bounce zones, and some slides. It’s just going to be a lot of fun for the whole family. For the teams that participate, it’s also going to be a lot of fun. As teams stay all night long, we’ve got a lot of stuff planned for them. It’s just going to be a lot of fun. It always is.”
Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature event, is a fun-filled overnight experience designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer. At Relay, people from within the community gather to celebrate survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and to fight back against this disease. Relay participants help raise money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society in its lifesaving mission to eliminate cancer as a major health issue. During Relay For Life events, teams of people gather and take turns walking or running laps. The events are held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps. Through the survivors’ lap and the luminaria ceremony, the people who have faced cancer first hand are honored, and those who have been lost to this disease are remembered.
But, Relay isn’t about taking laps — it’s about coming together in the fight against cancer. It’s a time to remember those lost to this disease and celebrate those who have survived. It’s a place where people connect with others, share the cancer experience, and find comfort and solace. And it’s an opportunity to build hope for a future where cancer no longer threatens the lives of the people we love.
As volunteers and donors, your efforts support research, education, advocacy, and services that allow the American Cancer Society to offer help and hope to people across the country when they need it most. By joining together at Relay, we celebrate life, friendship, and an opportunity to work to defeat cancer for future generations.
On June 4th, the community will gather together as one group to help in the battle against cancer. At Greenbrook Park in Smithville, dozens of teams, volunteers, community leaders, and citizens will enjoy the annual Relay for Life event. Plans are to have lots of entertainment and food available that evening. Planning for the Relay is a year round event and the organizers hope that you will enjoy what they have in store for you. Relay is the largest community event held in DeKalb County. Please join in for this special night and have lots of fun helping raise money.
For more information about participating in Relay for Life, contact Casey Midgett, Chris Summers, Lynn Miller, Iva dell Randolph, or any member of the planning committee.
Meanwhile, on the second weekend in June, a 5K and One Mile Fun Run will be held to benefit Relay for Life. “It’s the Relay 5K and it’ll be held on Saturday, June 12th, the weekend after Relay for Life”, said Lynn Miller. ” It’s a 5K and a one mile Fun Run. All the money from that event will go to Relay for Life. If you’re interested in participating in the 5K and Fun Run, you can come by and see me at Regions Bank to pick up a form or you may contact Casey Midget. Forms are also available at other locations.”
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