Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Breast cancer. Prostate cancer. Skin cancer. Lung cancer.
Those are just four of the many different types of cancer.
To raise money to help prevent, stop and cure all types of cancer, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be July 20-21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Warsaw.
Deb Johnson, publicity person for this year's Relay, said the Relay for Life started in 1985 in Washington, D.C. This is the "fourth or fifth year" for Kosciusko County, she said.
"We'd like to make this grow but we're having difficulty doing that," she said, perhaps because of all the other fund-raisers out there.
Teams for the Relay consist of 10-15 people per team who take turns walking the track for the 24-hour period. Each team member pays a commitment fee of $10 and everyone is asked to raise a minimum of $100 in donations.
Each team member signs a waiver, and donations are to be turned in to the team captain prior to the start of the relay. Those who raise $100 or more receive a T-shirt.
Each team has its own theme and this year's theme for the Relay is "Red, White and Blue."
"I think it's a good year for that theme," said Johnson.
Each team also tries to raise money during the night to help support the American Cancer Society.
During the Relay, many activities and entertainment events are planned for participants and nonparticipants alike. There will be a food booth and a booth to buy novelties such as shirts or Teddy bears.
The Relay begins with an opening ceremony followed by the survivor ceremony. For the survivor ceremony, cancer survivors lead the first lap to officially start the relay with their victory lap immediately after the opening ceremony. Following the victory lap, all survivors are invited to a meal and more activities just for them.
At 9 p.m. July 20, the luminaria ceremony begins "to honor those who have lost the battle to cancer and salute those who have survived," said Johnson. During the ceremony, hundreds of luminaria will be lit as the names of those honored are inscribed on each bag. For a donation per bag, a person can sponsor a glowing tribute to the friends and loved ones who have experienced cancer. To make a donation for a bag, Johnson said to contact Rita Rider c/o Dekko Heating Technologies, 8645 E. Backwater Road, North Webster, IN 46555, or contact the local cancer society at 800-ACS-2345 or online at www.cancer.org
Relay teams, Johnson said, will be taken up to the day of the event. The goal for this year is 40 teams. Last year, the Relay for Life made $33,000 for the American Cancer Society.
"Our goal is to get the (entire) family out there. It is a fun activity for a good cause," Johnson said.
Money raised from the Relay supports the cancer society's advocacy, cancer resource database, children's camps, college scholarship program, durable medical equipment, health education, the Hope Lodge and other programs.
Johnson said, "We definitely need team members."
Awards will be given for the individual who raises the most money, the team raising the most money, best campsite decorations and best team spirit.
The event is tobacco, alcohol and pet free.
