What Is Relay For Life?

The Honorary Chairperson for the New Hanover County's Relay For Life is Ronna Zimmer

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is an overnight event that raises cancer awareness and funds for research, education, advocacy, and patient service programs.

Relay For Life raises 43% of the total funding for ACS. The event is a celebration of life for survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost, and a rally for the community to fight cancer. It’s a fun, community atmosphere complete with music, food, guest speakers, a midnight pizza party, clowns and other activities.

A good time is had by all as the serious work of raising money to battle cancer is underway. The Relay reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer, and that everyone who participates is making a difference!

Team Participation

Participants form teams of 8-15 people, taking turns on the track walking or running in shifts. Friends, relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, churches, and other organizations organize teams. Each team is asked to keep one member on the track at all times. Team members are also required to pay a $10 registration fee and asked to raise a minimum of a $100. Each team is asked to raise a combined total of at least $1,500.

Each team is offered a campsite and encouraged to stay overnight to enjoy the festival-style atmosphere. Teams come up with their own theme and then decorate their campsites and/or dress in keeping with their theme. Encampments are judged for a best camp contest.

Opening Ceremony

The Relay For Life opens on Friday evening at 6:30pm as cancer survivors walk, run or wheelchair the first lap. Their family, friends and team members cheer them on as they complete this victory lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. 

Luminary Ceremony

At approximately 9:00pm on Friday night, thousands of white paper bags with candles are lit by volunteers. Each of these are in honor of someone who has battled cancer. A touching ceremony takes place as the lights are lowered, the walking stops, and a moment of silence allows for remembrance and healing. Loved ones often bring pictures and stand together along the track by their luminary.

These luminaria are left to burn throughout the night as a reminder to the participants of the incredible importance of their contribution. For more information on how to order a luminaria click on the form below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Email: to cfortfindley@ec.rr.com

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremonies will start around 1:00 pm on Saturday with ALL participants and cancer survivors invited to take a final lap around the track to finish together, everyone as a winner. Top fundraisers are recognized and congratulated for a job well done.

Afterwards, tired but inspired everyone will head home with a smile knowing they’ve done their part in the fight against cancer.

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