Relay for Life needs teams, individuals to sign up for ACS event
Residents can sign up for Relay For Life of Madison, scheduled for May 9 at 6 p.m. until May 10 at 6 a.m. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – As communities schedule Relay for Life times, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reminds residents that “there is no finish line until we find a cure.”
The 2014 Relay for Life in Madison will kick off at May 9 at 6 p.m. at Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive.
“With help from volunteers, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer — we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community,” ACS relay specialist Karen Borden said. “No single non-governmental, not-for-profit organization has invested more to find cancer’s causes and cures.”
Before the Madison relay, a reception at 4:30 p.m. will offer “fabulous refreshments, gifts, special recognitions and celebrations,” Madison relay coordinator Leigh Christian said. “At 6 p.m., our survivors start the opening lap with the youngest survivor in attendance.”
The Caregivers Lap follows and honors those people who have helped cancer patients, Christian said. The relay then begins with at least on team member walking on the track throughout the night.
Upbeat, energetic music will play loudly as survivors dance and celebrate their way around the track. Dance Trance of Madison will perform at 9:30 p.m.
The Survivors Lap recognizes individuals “celebrating their victory over cancer,” Borden said. “Each luminaria candle represents a person” and allows participants “to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those battling the disease.”
The Fight Back ceremony encourages everyone to commit “to concrete steps to save lives,” Christian said. These measures may be stopping smoking or a colonoscopy.
The relay’s timing symbolizes a cancer patient’s emotions. Sunset represents diagnosis, and darkness parallels to times of pain and exhaustion. Dawn shows the end of treatment and brightness of hope, Borden said.
The closing ceremony on May 10 at 6 a.m. will be emotional, Borden said. “Most people are tired but feel very satisfied.”
Visit relayforlife.org/madisonal to sign up as a team captain, participant or to donate. For more information, call Christian at 256-509-1580.
