On Friday, June 2, I was proud to join hundreds of other community members in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Orange County, at the Ruritan Club in Efland, N.C.
This was my first time participating in a Relay For Life, though it’s something I’d been wanting to do for a while. I’m all about efforts that incorporate walking and a good cause — especially one that has affected my family.
As a volunteer, I also assisted in ways that I could help with the event. Since I have a communications background, that included doing the news releases and photography, and I was excited to be able to contribute in this way. It’s been a year since I left my director of communications position at the university, and as long since I’d publicized and covered an event. I’ve done a lot of that in my career, and it felt good to be “back in the saddle” with that.
Funds raised help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.
The Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. We celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. During Relay For Life events, teams take turns walking or running around the track or path. Teams also participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.
In my speech, I said:
Chances are, you’re here because you are a survivor or you know someone who has battled the disease. In my case, I have lost relatives and friends to cancer, as you probably have as well. And while we grieve those losses, we see HOPE because we also know many people who have had successful outcomes, thanks to the amazing progress in medical research and services. My dad is a recent survivor of lung and prostate cancer. In both cases, his was caught very early on, quickly treated with surgery, and he had a full recovery thanks to advances in detection and treatment.
Events like the Relay For Life help raise the funds for much-needed research and services. I’m glad I was able to join my community in supporting this effort.
Have you ever participated in a Relay For Life, or another walking or running event for a cause? Please share in the comments!
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I love when local events can bring communities together to fight a cause. I actually just ran a 10K race yesterday to support the cancer center at our local hospital. It’s the biggest run/walk of the year so its always great to see the hundreds of people out there to support the cause!
Looks like such a powerful and emotional event to be a part of!
Wow! That looks like a great event. I love it when races step up to the community.
Good for you! Yes, I’ve participated but it’s been years! Might be time to get involved again.
How wonderful that you were able to take part in such a personal and meaninful way. Love the luminaries around the track. Bet that was very powerful!
The world needs more people like you!! It’s so great that you assisted so much with this event.
This is such a great cause! Saturday I’ll be running for the American Heart Association!
I’ve always wanted to participate in relay for life. It’s such an incredible cause and experience.
Looks like a very special day and a wonderful cause!
What a great event! It’s crazy how much cancer has affected all of us, personally or through the battles of our family and friends.
I have never participated in Relay for Life, but have done other cancer related events in the community. They are such a great way to bring people together for such worthwhile causes.
This looks like it was an amazing event. Glad you got to participate!
What a great event. Little man’s school does a version of this, but we’ve never been able to attend (nor could we ever get much info about exactly what went into it). Now I have a better understanding, and hopefully we will be able to take part in the future.
So glad you were able to put your skills to good use in a volunteering capacity. Volunteers are everything!
WHat a great event. I love races that support the community they are the best. I participated in a relay for life many years ago.
I love Relay For Life -such an amazing cause. I remember it was an event for all of us in high school and I believe they still do it each year and join in with the other local high school. It’s also important to get teens involved in the community and charitable causes!