Luminarias are Bright Reminders of Lives Touched by Cancer

Perhaps no other symbol is as meaningful as the luminarias that circle and light up the Saddleback College track each year during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Mission Viejo.   For the individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer it is very emotional.

A luminaria is a white-lit bag (each has a small battery operated candle placed in it) that represents a person who has fought against cancer, survived or lost the battle.  It serves as a vivid reminder for those walking of just how many families and friends it has touched.

Each year, approximately 500 luminarias that raise $10 each in memory and in honor of loved ones are placed around the track and illuminate it.   You can honor a loved one or friend by donating for a luminaria which will be placed along the track at Relay For Life to shine a “light of hope” during the ceremony. 

The luminaria are used to spell words such as "HOPE" and "CURE" and the words illuminate during the Luminaria ceremony.  At 9 pm the luminaria ceremony begins.  Some guest speakers share their stories and each participant is given a candle to light in remembrance of a loved one. 

Following the Luminaria Ceremony, participants will walk a lap around the track as Amazing Grace is being performed on the bagpipes.  This is a tradition to give respect to those who are ill with cancer or to those whose lives were lost. 

For the past 25 years, Relay for Life events have brought community members across the nation together to celebrate, remember and fight back.  Luminarias raise money for the American Cancer Society and its efforts to put an end to the disease that has affected so many lives.

It’s hard to explain the emotions driving the event unless you’ve been to one.  Please join us for Relay and walk a lap or two to see it for your selves.

For more information or to register for the event in your community go to www.relayforlife.org  or call the American Cancer Society at 949-567-0610.