Hollister begins its 24-hour Relay For Life event today, the
American Cancer Society’s signature benefit to raise money for
cancer awareness, early detection treatment and patient support.
And it’s never too late to sign up.
The fifth annual Relay For Life begins at 5 p.m. at San Benito
High School, and when it concludes on Saturday, participants will
have raised tens of thousands of dollars in a little less than a
day to help find a cure for the deadly disease.
Hollister begins its 24-hour Relay For Life event today, the American Cancer Society’s signature benefit to raise money for cancer awareness, early detection treatment and patient support. And it’s never too late to sign up.
The fifth annual Relay For Life begins at 5 p.m. at San Benito High School, and when it concludes on Saturday, participants will have raised tens of thousands of dollars in a little less than a day to help find a cure for the deadly disease.
“I think the relay is great,” said Jean Gillaspie, co-chairwoman of the Survivors Reception who was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been in remission for 13 years. “(Cancer) fighters need to know they are not alone and something is being done to help them.”
San Benito County is one of 3,300 nationwide communities that will take part in a relay event in 2003. This year, about 60 teams will participate compared to 44 teams in 2002. During the four previous years, community members have raised more than $250,000 to fight cancer.
Some of this year’s big-name teams include teams from Target, McDonald’s, Galaxy Cheer, several high school teams and local businesses, families and organizations.
Teams must pay a $150 registration fee. Also, all members are asked to raise a minimum of $100 each.
Each year, teams elect a theme to decorate their campsites. “Flying to the sky for a cure,” “When you wish upon a cure” and “Island of hope” are just a few that have been selected.
“When you wish upon a cure” is a theme honoring Walt Disney, who died in 1966 of lung cancer.
Relay for Life has typically been held in July, but it was moved to August this year.
“The teams communicated to us that July is when many events take place and that August would be more convenient,” chairperson Mary Nelson said.
Some events planned for today and Saturday include a karaoke contest, a YMCA-sponsored Kid’s Camp, massages, a silent auction and a raffle. Prizes include a plane ride, an all-expense-paid trip to Hawaii and more.
Each team works to keep at least one member walking on the track at all times because cancer never sleeps, organizers said.
Throughout the event, each hour will have a different theme, including a beachball lap, a candy lap, a toothbrush lap and a glow stick lap. The best laps are planned to take place between 1 and 5 a.m. on Saturday, committee members said.
Teams begin setting up their sites at 2 p.m. today and opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5 p.m.
Anyone who has survived cancer is invited to participate in the “Survivor Lap,” even if they are not planning to take part in other aspects of the event. After the lap, survivors are also invited to attend a “Survivors Reception.”
In 2002, more than 2.25 million people worldwide, including 450,000 cancer survivors, took part in the cancer benefit.
Relay for Life is open to the public. Closing ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information about this year’s Relay For Life, call 637-9209 or the American Cancer Society at 623-2501.
