Each year, the American Cancer Society hosts a relay race across 5,200 communities and 20 countries to help raise awareness and fundraising to help with searching for a cure for cancer. Across all of the Relay for Life events that are hosted, more than $400 million will be raised each year to help with research and providing free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers.
The 2016 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will be held on Saturday, April 30th from 12pm-10pm in Downtown Winter Park in the West Meadow part of Central Park.
Relay for Life
Relay for Life is an organized fundraising walk where teams of people camp out around a track where members of each team take turns walking around the track. Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie in a family-friendly environment for the entire community.
Each event includes a Survivors Lap, Luminaria Ceremony, and a Fight Back Ceremony.
The Relay for Life website states:
During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.
The Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer.
The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each of us can make in the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives.
What Happens at a Relay for Life Event? (source: American Cancer Society)
What is Relay for Life? (Video by the American Cancer Society)
The 2015 Relay for Life in Winter Park Video
Winter Park West Meadow Map