Everyone at some point has known a loved one that has been diagnosed with cancer. Relay for Life is a community for those who have lost or are fighting against cancer to be remembered and honored. One of the many reasons for the Relay for Life is how common it is today to have a loved one or know of someone with cancer. This event can help save lives. Relay for Life is staffed by volunteers in over 5,200 communities and in 27 countries. Relay for Life is also the prime fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
During the Relay for Life, there is going to be the Survivor Lap, Caregiver Lap, the team walks, campsites full of games and activities and the lighting of the Luminarias.
The relay begins with an opening ceremony which is then followed by the Survivor Lap. The Survivor Lap is a lap dedicated to survivors and those that are currently fighting cancer. The Caregiver lap follows afterward which is dedicated to those who have provided support during their loved one’s time of need. Until sunset, participants can be involved in team events as well as participating in campsites.

The last and most symbolic portion of the event is the lighting of the Luminarias. When the patients are diagnosed, many of them associate darkness as fear. By lighting the Luminarias, it shows that those that are affected by cancer are not in it alone. It is also a way of remembering those close to us that we have lost and to celebrate the survivors.
Relay for Life will be here at SMSU Mar. 30, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the RA Facility. Further information can be found at relay.acsevents.org/. If attending, be sure to thank the volunteers who make the event possible.