For Sky Valley Relay for Life organizers, it's about more than just raising money for the fight against cancer ' it's also about making a difference in the community.
Relay for Life fundraising efforts kicked off in January, and over the past few months committee members have found ways to enhance their outreach by supporting community organizations like the East County Senior Center and Monroe's Sky Valley Food Bank. From increasing attendance at the senior center by attending bingo nights and organizing a food drive for the food bank, Sky Valley Relay for Life participants are working to make an impact.
It's a great way to support local nonprofits while also raising awareness of Relay for Life, said committee co-chair Linda Pearl. It's also a great way to get in the spirit of Relay, which is right around the corner.
The American Cancer Society's (ACA) Relay for Life is the world's largest cancer fundraising effort. Every year, more than 4 million people in more than 20 different countries participate in Relay events, which are meant to give participants the opportunity to fight back, celebrate victories and remember those lost to the disease or in the midst of fighting it.
This year's Sky Valley Relay for Life event kicks off noon Saturday, June 4, at Monroe High School and runs through 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 5. Relay teams are allowed to camp out on the Monroe High School football field, and are encouraged to have at least one member of their team on the track at all times. The overnight event is meant to symbolize the reality that cancer never takes a break.
This year's theme is "Lights, Camera, Relay,GÇ¥ which participants are invited to embrace as creatively as they wish.
The canned food drive will take place on the day of the event, and all Relay participants are encouraged to bring a can of food. This is the fifth year Sky Valley Relay for Life has partnered with the food bank to hold a food drive.
As the big day draws near, Relay enthusiasts will pause to celebrate Sky Valley Bark for Life, which takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Monroe's Lake Tye Park. Bark for Life is a precursor to the main event that honors the relationship between humans and their four-legged canine companions and raises awareness of canine cancer. This year's Bark for Life event features a brand new 5-K run-walk before the main event.
The first annual Kickin' Cancer 5K Run-Walk takes place 8:30-10 a.m., with registration starting at 8 a.m. The top male and female finishers in each age group will receive a prize.
Pearl participates in Relay for Life because it's a fun and powerful way to take a stand against cancer. In the past 60 days, two people she knows have been diagnosed with cancer, while a friend she knew in high school died from it. Relay for Life not only raises money for cancer research, but also supports vital programs for cancer patients, including Road to Recovery and Hope Lodge.
Pearl doesn't want anybody else to die from cancer.
"I never want to hear those words again,GÇ¥ Pearl said. "I lost my dad to cancer ' my mom was diagnosed three years ago and is cancer free. I Relay because I can make a difference.GÇ¥
For more information about Relay for Life, to register a team or to sign up for the Bark for Life fun-run, visit http://bit.ly/1s6azEo.
Photo by Chris Hendrickson The American Cancer SocietyGÇÖs Relay for Life is the largest cancer fundraising effort in the world. Every year, hundreds of Relay-ers camp out at Monroe High School for the event.
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