The American Cancer Society (ACS) celebrates its historic 35th anniversary of its signature fundraiser Relay For Life with the 2020 season kickoff. The Relay For Life movement is dedicated to uniting communities around the world to attack cancer from every angle. Since its inception in 1985, Relay For Life has raised nearly $6.5 billion to save lives from cancer. The mission of those who Relay is to “Imagine a world free from cancer and help make it a reality.” Our local Relay For Life of NoW (Northwest Orange County) is scheduled for June 6, 2020 and has teams participating from cities including Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Cypress, and Buena Park.
“As a two year survivor of breast cancer, I joined Relay For Life to remember those we’ve lost, help those going through the battle right now, and to remind my community that there is a chance for everyone to get involved and take action for lifesaving change,” said Jennifer Stewart-Tai, Relay For Life of NoW Marketing Lead.
Last year, 2.5 million participants worldwide joined Relay For Life to raise funds and awareness to continue our mission to help save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. ACS is the only organization fighting cancer on every front. ACS estimates that 1 out of 3 people in the US will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Relay For Life empowers communities with the opportunity to take action against cancer. Funds raised help ACS fund and conduct breakthrough research and gives cancer patients and their families the resources they need, like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support at 800-227-2345.
Although ACS provides services around the world, Orange County is a direct recipient of the local fundraising. In 2018, ACS Orange County funded research grants totaling more than $7.6 million, provided more than 350 wigs free of charge to cancer patients, and handled more than 1,200 calls and live chats from Orange County residents on the 24/7 helpline.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, Relay For Life symbolizes the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer. On June 6, Relay For Life of NoW will circle the wagons at Buena Park Jr. High from 10am to 10pm to “Give Cancer the Boot.” Teams and individual volunteers will take turns walking around the track in honor of survivors and caregivers and remembering those we’ve lost to the disease.
When the sun goes down at Relay For Life, hope shines the brightest. During the Luminaria Ceremony, a bagpiper leads the relay walkers along the track lit with hundreds of luminarias. This emotional ceremony is a reminder of why we relay and fight back against a disease that has taken too much. The ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and perseverance with which we all continue to fight.
Between now and June 6, several events are planned to fundraise and celebrate survivors and caregivers. The easiest way to become involved is to join a team or start your own team. Relay For Life of NoW is also seeking corporate sponsors and donations from local businesses to help make this event a success. The goal for this event is to raise $90,500 by June 6.
Relay For Life of NoW will be hosting their Kick-Off Rally February 19 at 7:00pm at the Ehlers Event Center located at 8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park. This event features an inspirational speaker, refreshments and is guaranteed to get everyone in the mood to Relay. If you have questions about starting a team, this is the perfect opportunity to get more information and meet other Team Captains. Relay For Life of NoW currently has 20 teams and is looking to add more teams to celebrate survivors and conquer this disease.
The Team Captains regularly meet to inspire and keep their teams motivated. The next Team Captain meeting is March 16 at 6:30pm at the Ehlers Event Center located at 8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park.
Relay For Life takes great pride in celebrating survivors and caregivers. On April 20, Relay For Life of NoW will host their annual Survivor Dinner at La Habra Community Center. Survivors are free to attend along with one caregiver. To RSVP, please call Alice Burnett at 310-200-9589.
For information on any of these events or Relay For Life of NoW, please call Alice Burnett at 310-200-9589 or Kelly Hatter at 949-535-0649.