American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Evanston
Brings Community Members Together In the Fight Against Cancer
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Save Lives, Celebrate More Birthdays
Evanston, Ill. – For area residents battling cancer, “Happy Birthday” takes on a whole new meaning. Local volunteers devote their time, talents and energy on saving lives and creating a world with more birthdays as they prepare for this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Evanston. This year’s Relay will be held Saturday, April 21at the Evanston Township High School Fieldhouse (1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston).
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Relay For Life is an overnight event that 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 a disease that takes too much. 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. Relay brings people from all different areas of the community together for one common purpose; to celebrate, remember and fight back. Allison Lock, Relay volunteer, expresses, “I would describe it as 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 by visiting www.RelayForLife.org/EvanstonIL . They will also be available at the event.
Relay For Life of Evanston is open to the public and online registration is still available. Interested individuals are encouraged to form teams and begin fundraising. On-site registration begins at 4 pm on Saturday, April 21. Community members are encouraged to stop by the family friendly event and enjoy the food, games, music and special activities going on throughout the evening. “It is especially heartwarming to see families come back to Relay For Life year after year. It becomes a fantastic, service-based tradition and children grow up empowered by their personal contribution to the fight against cancer,” explains Claire Walker, Relay For Life of Evanston chairperson. Many participants return each year to enjoy the experience and support the event. Sophie Kornbluh, Relay volunteer, states, “I look forward to the feeling of community spirit that arises among a group of total strangers. I have gained a true appreciation for the goodness of humanity. I trust that people can work together to achieve something great.”
For more information on how to get involved in Relay For Life of Evanston please contact the American Cancer Society at (847) 328-5147, option 3 or visisit www.RelayForLife.org/EvanstonIL.
