Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at Falcon Middle School for an overnight relay against cancer, from 6 p.m. on July 16 until 7 a.m. on July 17.Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life, including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers, to join together to fight cancer.Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk or wheelchair the first lap. The campout and following day’s events involve food, games, music, comaraderie and walking. Highlighting the opening evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria bags and candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the importance of their contributions.Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser, said Sue Turner, event chair. Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.The third annual Relay For Life in East Colorado Springs has a goal of raising $29,000 this year. The funds raised will enable the continued investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients, said Turner.Information about how to form a team of 8-15 people, sign up as an indivdual, purchase a luminaria bag, volunteer, sponsor or become involved in Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 719-630-4971 or 1-800-ACS-2345, or by visiting www.eastcosrelay.org.Check-in on July 16 begins at 4 p.m.
