The largest volunteer-based fundraising event for the American Cancer Society will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8 at Tattan Park in Westland and continue into the evening.
Activities will include a Survivor Walk in the morning concluding with a First Responders Recognition and The Luminary Event during the evening.
For more than 36 years, communities across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change. Relay For Life features an evening ceremony when members of the local Wayne Westland community walk a track lined with luminaria bags in remembrance of those lost to cancer.
Event participants will have the opportunity to cheer for local survivors or participate as a survivor in the Survivor Walk which is the first lap around the track. Caregivers of cancer patients, currently or previously diagnosed, will then be invited to join the survivors. Everyone attending is asked to line the track during the survivor lap and cheer on the survivors. Program organizers suggested visitors bring noise makers, pom-poms or pep rally items to help cheer the survivors on.
Several local entertainers are expected to participate to help keep walkers and visitors energized, organizers said. At dusk, the luminaria bags will surround the track in a special memorial ceremony designed to honor those lost to cancer and reflect on the journey of those who have survived.
The American Cancer Society is a volunteer driven, staff supported 501C-3 non-profit organization with the mission statement to “Save Lives, Celebrate Lives & Lead the Fight for a World Without Cancer.” With more than1.5 million volunteers nationwide, the American Cancer Society attacks cancer from every angle through cancer research, education, advocacy and family services, organizers explained. More information is available at cancer.org or by calling 1 800-227-2345.
