Saturday, June 16, 1 p.m.—RUTLAND— Teams of Rutland County residents will gather at the Vermont State Fairgrounds on June 16 at 1 p.m. for an overnight relay against cancer.
Relay For Life is a fun filled event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer.
The event begins with a cancer survivors lap celebrating those who have survived cancer or who are currently battling cancer. Games, music, and live entertainment encourage people all through the night. Some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay.
Relay For Life’s luminaria ceremony takes place after sundown, honoring the community’s cancer survivors and remembering those lost to the disease. Participants will circle a track that is surrounded with glowing luminaria that bear the name of someone who has battled cancer. Luminaria may be purchased for $5 by calling 802-353-7100 or 802-683-0479 or by visiting relayforlife.org/rutlandvt.
Also, a part of the Rutland County 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, eat more healthy, exercise regularly, etc.) in fighting back.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life first started in May 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt took the first step of this 24-hour walk around the track in Tacoma, Washington raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit RelayForLife.org or call 1-800-227-2345.
