by Janine Alven
In order to raise money for the American Cancer Society, the Sierra Mountain Communities Relay for Life is back this year and it's better than ever! While the event isn't until Mar. 27 and March 28 at the Minarets High School stadium, the event has already raised about $20,032 for the ACS.
With the theme of 'Don't Let the Cure Be a Fantasy," there are over thirteen teams and ninety-eight participants dedicated to raising money for cancer research. Relay for Life Coordinator Therese Righter explained, "We choose to stay up all night walking the track and participating in activities because cancer never sleeps, so neither do we! In addition to honoring the cancer patients, we raise money for the American Cancer Society, these funds help supply transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and doctor appointments, wigs, research, and more.”
The Sierra Mountain Communities for a Cure is a large two-day event with lots of activities and involvement. For entertainment, the DJ will be Albert Figeroa from Fig Productions with Minarets senior Synovia Wold singing the National Anthem and the Minarets Showband and the Whiskey Creek Band performing. The flag for the opening ceremony will be brought in by Minarets sophomore and equestrian team member Kailieah Sandstrom, dinner will be provided by the Minarets Soccer Team, and the Kids Zone will be organized by Minarets Cheer.
Luminarias are also available for purchase with CSF at lunch, to honor and remember those who have had cancer. A luminaria is a personalized memorial in Honor or in Loving Memory of those who have either beat cancer or passed away from it. The luminaria ceremony will be on Friday night at 7:30 pm while the Opening Ceremony, Survivor Breakfast, and Closing Ceremony will be held on Saturday.
The first relay was done in May of 1985 by one person, Dr. Gordan Klatt. He spent 24 hours walking and running around a track in Tacoma, Washington. In order to raise money for cancer, in those 24 hours, he spent on that with his friends, family, and patients supporting him he ran more than 83.6 miles and raised $27,000 through pledges to raise money for cancer and help save lives of those who have been diagnosed. That next year 19 teams were part of the first official Relay for Life and that event raised $33,000. Sadly Dr. Klatt passed away Aug. 3, 2014, when he was 71 years old, but his legacy lives on through Relay with his solo relay turning into a global fundraising event. More than 5,200 communities and twenty countries participate annually to take action against cancer. Relay for Life's main purpose is to “Honor, Remember, and Fight back against cancer, and to celebrate the survivors and those who have passed away from cancer.”
If you are interested in attending or starting a team, the next Team Captain's meeting will be on Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2020 in the Minarets Media Lounge.
For more information about this years Relay For Life :
The link to a short video of the 2019 Relay for Life by Minarets alumnus Jesse Martin: https://youtu.be/GTdxXG0Ys30
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