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‘Relay for Life’ on track in cancer fight this weekend

Open field

 

The on-going battle against one of humanity’s fiercest health enemies, cancer, comes to Sonoma this weekend and, again, the call for support in helping the American Cancer Society fight this scourge resonates through the Valley leading up to the ACS’s most effective fundraiser – “Relay for Life.”

Sonoma’s 14th annual 24-hour Relay for Life takes place at Sonoma Valley High School’s football field and Schantz Track this Saturday, Aug. 6, beginning at 10 a.m., and ends at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7.

While the fight against cancer can be a daunting one, progress is constantly being made in finding new treatments and a possible cure through and with ACS and all its Relay for Life events and supporters.

As a leading community support program, the Relay for Life continues elevating our awareness about how life-threatening, and life-changing, cancer is, and helps ACS raise valuable funds for cancer research, education and patient services. Also, the ACS helps fund programs in the community, which give hope to cancer patients.

Personally, I have supported my wife and her involvement with the “Relay” since its first year in the Valley – she has been a Relay for Life ambassador and, again, is a captain of one of the many 15-person teams that continually walk or run on the track for 24 hours.

Whether you’re on a team or not, anyone can attend and support the “Relay,” so come on out and participate, relate and, if you can, donate.

The Relay for Life will begin with cancer survivors joining in a Survivors’ Lap starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Cancer survivors from throughout the community are encouraged to join in this celebration of their victory. 

Another highlight of the “Relay for Life” is the Luminary Ceremony – which begins at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Luminarias are purchased “in honor” or “in memory” of those who have been touched by cancer. Candlelight lines the track and lights the way as the relay heads into the night. 

To pre-register for the Survivors’ Lap (relay day sign-ups start at 9 a.m. on Saturday), to make donations or provide items for the silent auction – businesses can provide corporate sponsorship or silent auction items as well – or for more information about the Sonoma Relay for Life, check out the Web at www.RelayForLife.org/SonomaCa. For more details about the American Cancer Society, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Ciao!