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This overnight celebration began in May of 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked/ran around a track for 24 hours in Tacoma, Washington. Since then, relay has continued to grow worldwide and has raised more than $4 billion dollars towards the fight against cancer.
"Nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in some way," said Pike County Relay for Life event co-chair Shannon Deskins.
"We relay today, to find a cure and to prevent future generations from suffering the pain and hurt cancer causes."
So far, there are nearly 40 teams, and 700 participants registered for next week's event in Pikeville.
This year's fundraising goal for Pike County's relay is $150,000.
"Cancer many times strikes people unexpectedly in the prime of life," said Oncologist Dr. Tamara Musgrave. " Relay for Life not only gives support and hope to our family and friends impacted by cancer, but helps raise funds so the American Cancer Society can put more money into research, lodging or transportation for cancer patients and supports programs."
Leshia Fleming, PMC Cancer Care Nurse Navigator, said, "This year's theme is Celebrate, and we celebrate our patients' hope, faith and cure. I have so many patients who I have assisted through their battle and I have personally lost three siblings to cancer in two years-thinking about those people puts things into perspective and gives me an overwhelming enthusiasm and drive to help find a cure. PMC's relay team and I hope this year's Relay for Life is the best ever, not just for the money it raises to fight cancer but for the support it shows to those fighting cancer and those who have survived."
The night will kick off with the opening ceremony at 6pm, where every cancer survivor in attendance will be presented with a special medallion from PMC's inpatient/outpatient nursing staff.
The survivors will then lead the walk by completing the first lap around the track.
All caregivers will join in on the second lap, recognizing the time, love and support they give each day.
Once the survivors, caregivers and teams have been recognized, the night's activities will begin. Some of the festivities at this year's relay will include: Live entertainment hosted by Brahman Productions, Pantene Beautiful Lengths provided by Ivy Court Studio, Jail and Bail, a Pop-Tart eating contest for kids sponsored by Kellogg's, a scavenger hunt, free OMT offered by the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), wacky Olympics and an auction with items donated by participating teams.
The Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 10 p.m. This is a special time set aside to remember those who have been affected by cancer. Candles, placed inside a personalized bag, are lit in honor/memory of cancer patients and placed around the track.
Luminaries ordered before June 14 are $5 each.
If purchased on the day of relay luminaries are $10.
To order a luminaria in memory or honor of a loved one, please see the Lumiaria and Torch of Hope order form on this page.
Orders must be received by 8 p.m. on the day of the event.
To register a team, or for more information, contact Pike County Relay for Life's Co-Chairs Shannon Deskins at 606-437-4051 or Jennifer Brown at 606-437-2333.
Source: http://relayforlife.org