Annual Relay for Life event set for Friday
The American Cancer Society will hold its annual Relay for Life event Friday at the Lake Charles Civic Center to raise cancer awareness and generate funds.
Katie McCarty, American Cancer Society area director, said thousands are expected to take part in the event in an effort to reach a fundraising goal of $201,000.
“This is our signature event, and it’s our goal to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays,” McCarty said. “It’s an event for everyone, whether it’s someone relaying in honor of a survivor or for someone they lost to cancer.”
The event will begin with cancer survivors taking the first lap around the circular driveway in front of the facility, she said.
“The event is set up similar to a festival, with food, games and activities,” McCarty said. “Everything is to get donations that will go directly to the Relay for Life mission to find cures for cancer and fund local patient programs.”
McCarty said there will be a Luminaria Ceremony of Hope, in which participants will be able to pay $10 for a bag that will line the track with a candle inside.
“The bags light the track in honor of or in memory of someone that has been lost to cancer and survivors; it reflects their cancer journey,” she said. “It’s an emotional, reflecting time, and people can write things on them.
“The candles are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.”
Survivor registration begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 7 p.m.
McCarty said all cancer survivors are encouraged to “come out and celebrate.”
There is no fee to participate, and those who want to take part can show up at the time of the event.
For more information, call the cancer society at 433-5817 or visit www.relayforlife.org/LakeCharles.