Claire Whitford from the Mahle – Westside Walkers Relay For Life Team accepts a sponsorship donation from Dell Rose III, John Gillespie and Rick Priester of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 153.
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 takes too much. That event is the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Please join us on Friday May 13th and Saturday May 14th from 3 pm to 3 pm for the Relay For Life of St. Johns / Clinton County.
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 in four families. It unites participants with others who have shared a similar experience, allowing them to find hope and healing.
“Relay For Life gives St. Johns and Clinton County a unique opportunity to contribute to the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives, by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back,” said Molly Day, community representative, American Cancer Society. “Residents who give their time, energy and financial commitment to this exciting event are really standing up for our community and its pledge to fight back against cancer.”
It certainly is a community effort. We currently have 33 teams registered for the St. Johns event, with over 200 participants. These are dedicated volunteers who have made a commitment to the fight against cancer. These teams are working together to reach a goal of $135,00 at this years event, and they are well on their way. Teams 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 have a chance to remember loved ones lost to the disease during the poignant Luminaria Ceremony. During the Fight Back ceremony, community members are encouraged to make a pledge to save one life from cancer.
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.
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 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 or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.relayforlife.org/stjohnsmi or call Molly Day at 517-664-1404 or Shelley Hunt at 989-292-1768.