How a community fights cancer
Each year millions of people dedicated to eliminating cancer in our lifetime participate in a unique event that helps communities celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and fight back against a disease that effects so many people. That event is the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Please join us on Friday May 18th and Saturday May 19th from 3 pm to 3 pm for the Relay For Life of St. Johns / Clinton County. This year’s relay is being held at the Clinton County 4H Fairgrounds.
Much more than a walk around a track, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life helps local communities take action against a disease that will affect one out of four families. It also unites participants with others who have shared a similar experience, allowing them to find hope and healing.
Part of what makes the St Johns Relay for Life so successful is the strong sense of community. Last year the St Johns Relay for Life was awarded for being one of the top 25 Relay for Life events in the state of Michigan.
Claire Whitford from the Mahle – Westside Walkers Relay For Life Team accepts a sponsorship donation from longtime relay sponsor Sons of the American Legion, Post 153. Pictured left to right are John Gillespie, Claire Whitford and Rick Priester.
That accomplishment would never be possible without a strong community effort. This year there are already 31 teams and more than 170 participants registered for this year’s event. The participants are dedicated volunteers who have made a commitment to fightback against cancer.
These teams members are working together to reach a goal of raising over $135,000 for this years event. The teams, made up of co-workers, colleagues, family and friends, camp out overnight and take turns walking laps around a track. Participants celebrate the victory of local cancer survivors during the special Survivors Lap.
At dusk, they will also have a chance to remember loved ones lost to this disease during the poignant Luminaria Ceremony.
A big part of the success of the St. Johns Relay For Life is the continued support from the local business and civic organizations. These businesses and civic organizations understand the importance, of giving back and paying it forward. They understand that it takes of all of us coming together as a community Celebrating, Remembering and Fighting Back.
Beyond life saving research, dollars raised at American Cancer Society Relay For Life events help provide access to up-to-date cancer information, day-to-day help and emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1.800.227.2345.
They also help match local cancer patients with much-needed American Cancer Society resources such as rides to treatment and tips on coping with various aspects of cancer.
Relay For Life also supports the American Cancer Society’s efforts to educate people about cancer prevention and to ensure fighting cancer remains a top priority for local, state and federal legislators. Please visit www.cancer.org.
For more information about the St Johns Relay For Life or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.relayforlife.org/stjohnsmi or call Alan Bunn at 517-980-1569.