Relay For Life 2016
Leonardtown, MD – The word “cancer” has made headlines in our community too often in the past few years. Governor Hogan, Commissioner Randy Guy, news anchor Jim Vance, and many people in St. Mary’s County along with their loved ones, friends, and colleagues have heard those dreaded words, “You have cancer.” It is nice to know that in addition to the many medical professionals, there are people in our locality willing to fight to erase this word from our vocabulary and help to eradicate this disease. We have a group of dedicated volunteers participating in the Relay for Life June 3.
Relay for Life is an American Cancer Society (ACS) annual event which draws hundreds of people to the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. It is designed to promote cancer awareness while raising funds to fight the disease. Funds raised go to cancer research and the provision of services for people fighting cancer in our local community and throughout Maryland. Services include transportation to treatment and medical appointments, lodging at the Hope Lodge in Baltimore, wigs, information on clinical trials, mastectomy products, and support groups and “Look Good, Feel Good” programs at Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital.
Our Annual Relay For Life includes a Survivors Reception, organized by Stephanie Carroll, which will take place at the Fairgrounds on June 3 at 2 p.m. We will recognize all our survivors, along with one caregiver, during the free reception where food and beverages will be provided. Survivors will receive a free Survivor T-shirt, sash, goodie bag, pin and beads. They will be eligible for prizes. As a group, the survivors, fighters and caregivers will lead the first lap of the Relay to the cheers and applause of everyone attending. Survivors/fighters who are unable to physically attend can register as virtual survivors and receive a free T-shirt by mail from the ACS.
The opening ceremony for Relay is at 4 p.m. and the event ends at midnight. Throughout the eight-hour event, at least one member of each team along with cancer fighters, cancer survivors, caregivers, friends, and families, walk a set course navigating past displays of encouragement, educational posters, and fundraising tables. Almost 50 community- and school-based teams will set up campsites around the track. Many will engage in fundraising activities selling food, beverages, bracelets, crafts, etc. Some teams will have games, such as Plinko and Giant Jenga, and other teams will host raffles for bicycles, coolers with camping products, beach gift baskets, and much more. A Silent Auction will be set up with a wide variety of offerings. Most importantly, cancer fighters and survivors will walk among friends and supporters who are willing to help.
“The American Cancer Society was a huge help to me,” said Joanne Goldwater, this year’s St. Mary’s County Relay for Life event chair, and 6-year cancer survivor. “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was scared. The ACS was a trusted source for information and support. I have volunteered for the St. Mary’s County Relay for Life ever since.”
The St. Mary’s County Relay for Life event includes the Survivors/Caregivers opening lap, a Luminaria ceremony, organized by Franci Hill, the Ms. Relay lap, and the Fight Back/Closing Ceremony. Lily Cavanagh is putting together a great line-up of entertainment and activities, including magician extraordinaire Reggie Rice, musical performances, a cornhole tournament, Zumba led by Geno Rothback, and an inflatable.
All are welcome! All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Anyone interested in volunteering for Relay For Life or forming a team should contact ACS partner Melissa Matthews at 850-591-7226, Joanne Goldwater at jagoldwater@gmail.com, or visit the webpage at RelayforLife.org then search St. Mary’s County.
