Relay for Life

Although some fundraising continues at the event (most fundraising occurs before Relay), you will be treated to a day of free activities, fun for children, families and seniors and moments to remember those we love and those we have lost. The opening ceremony begins at 4 p.m. A survivor’s lap and caretaker lap kick off the event. This is not a race. Although there will be people walking around the track throughout the day and night, it is so much more. There will be a children’s carnival from 5 to 7 p.m. Free entertainment, including bands, singers and dancers will perform until midnight. A special lap to honor our firefighters, police, rescue squads and military personnel will take place at 7:30 p.m., a silent auction will go on until the evening, and refreshments will be available throughout the event.
I think the most amazing activity at Relay for Life is the Luminaria Ceremony. At 10 p.m., the track will be lit up by hundreds of candles in small white bags. On each bag is the name of one person, and the words – in honor of or in memory of. A small slide show with photos and names will be shown and then everyone quietly walks around the track. It is the most moving and beautiful experience. Because Relay raises money for the American Cancer Society for research and programs, a donation is requested to place a name on a bag that will be lit. It is not too late to have a name of a loved one placed on a bag. You can do this online at www.relayforlife.org/fluvanna or you can call Amy at 434-978-7423. You can even do this at Relay itself.
This year I am celebrating my 10th year as a cancer survivor. Please join me in supporting your neighbors and friends as they celebrate all the survivors in our county, remember all those we have lost to cancer, and work together to fight cancer.