The American Cancer Society holds its Relay For Life fundraiser in Evanston on Saturday, April 21, at the Evanston Township High School Fieldhouse.
With just over two weeks to go before the event, 129 people have signed up to participate in the overnight walk and they’ve brought in pledges of more than $24,000 according to the event website.
Relay For Life brings the community together in the fight against cancer to celebrate the lives of those who have cancer, remember those lost to the disease and fight back against the disease.
Teams of local businesses, churches, community groups and families raise funds prior to and at the event to support cancer research to help find cures and to provide local programs aimed at helping people stay well, get well and fight back.
Allison Lock, a relay volunteer, calls it “a life-changing experience which you have to see to believe. I love Relay and the experiences it has given me. It is wonderful being in an area with people from all different backgrounds and experiences, knowing that we’re all there for the same reasons!”
Relay starts with local cancer survivors uniting to walk the first lap of the event. They are then joined by family, friends and co-workers, the caregivers who helped them through their battle with cancer.
The Luminaria Ceremony will be held just after dark, to honor and remember loved ones. Honorees include survivors, caregivers and those who have lost their battle against the disease.
Hundreds of luminaria will line the track and continue to light the track throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their loves ones’ contributions.
Luminaria are available by calling your local American Cancer Society office or online. They will also be available at the event.
Relay For Life of Evanston is open to the public and online registration is still available.
On-site registration begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.