Think you have to be a runner to participate in a relay? Think again! May’s upcoming Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society is one event that everyone can enjoy, running ability or not.
A Relay with NO Running?
Like I mentioned, you don’t have to run to be involved in Relay for Life. So if there’s no running, then what exactly IS the relay?
- A celebration
- A time to remember
- A fight
And you still have time to join! See below for date and times of Relay for Life event locations in Madison County.
Celebrate
Relay starts with a Survivors Lap. During this time survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. We also recognize and celebrate caregivers at Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who face cancer.
Remember
After dark, we honor those who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.
Fight
No, not THAT kind of fighting. I’m talking about the good kind of fighting- the kind that will save people’s lives. In the Fight Back Ceremony individuals at Relay for Life pledge to take up the fight against cancer. Whether your personal commitment involves quitting smoking or medical research, we can all make a difference in our own way and it will take each of us to win the fight against cancer. And that is a fight that cannot begin soon enough.
Gooooo Team!
Who can form a team? Anyone! Groups of family, friends,co-workers, neighbors, classmates. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.
What You Need to Know
- Events are typically overnight and outdoors (check your event for specifics)
- Teams of people camp out around a track
- Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society
- Events are family-friendly
Relays For Life in Madison County
Huntsville Metro
- Location: John Hunt Park
- Date: May 18-19
- More information: Click here
Madison
- Location: Madison City Schools Stadium
- Date: May 4th
- More information: Click here
Hazel Green
- Location: Hazel Green High School
- Date: May 18
- More information: Click here
About American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is saving lives and ending suffering from cancer. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.