Fund-raising feet prepare for weekend's Relay For Life

More than 33 teams will be competing at the Topsail High School Track on Friday night, but they won't be competing against each other, instead they will be battling together against the same opponent: cancer.

The 2009 Relay for Life will begin on Friday, May 1 and last until noon the following day. While everyone knows at least one person who has been diagnosed with cancer, not everyone knows about the Relay For Life. It is both a way to raise money in the fight against cancer, and a way to celebrate the progress that has been made against the, all to often, terminal, disease.  

The Pender County Relay for Life is just one of many such events that happen around the nation throughout the year in coordination with the American Cancer Society. More than three million people are expected to walk around athletic tracks all over America to raise money for cancer research and other cancer related funding. The way it works is that teams of people sign up to be a part of the18 hour event, pledge to have at least one person walking along the track at all times, and then show support for the fight against the disease.

More than 300 people have already pledged to participate at Topsail High School this weekend. When participants are off the track they will be doing things such as socializing with the other teams underneath tents that have been set up just away from the track. There will also be food to eat and games to play around the venue.  

2009 Pender County Relay For Life Chair Irene Villa mentioned the role that cancer survivors will once again play in this year's event.

"Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment," said Villa.  

Those survivors will be in the spotlight on Friday, a couple of hours before the appearance of moonlight, when they will be called to the track to kick off the relay with the what is famously known as "The Survivor's Lap." Smiles and tears will be seen throughout the stands when those in attendance cheer the cancer survivors as they group together for the night's first lap around the track. As the survivors return from the lap, everyone else who came out to walk will now be allowed onto the track for the rest of the relay with them. At that moment, the walk for a cure will officially be underway.

"Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser. The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients. Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society's lifesaving programs," said Villa.

WECT News Anchor Jon Evans will be making an appearance as Friday Night's emcee, during an evening that will include the dramatic Luminary Ceremony. It will begin at 9 p.m. when the memorial candles will be set up along the track as a reminder of the importance of why making donations to fighting cancer is so important. Luminaries may still be purchased for $10 each in the name of any victim of cancer.  

There will also be a Kids Walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by the closing ceremonies, which will begin at 11 a.m. For more information about registration fees, deadlines and how to donate call Irene Villa at (910) 548 4155.