Relay for Life Overnight Walk Starts Saturday

Should you drive by Joliet Memorial Stadium late Saturday night and see it lit up like there's a party going on, you won't be far off the mark.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life event in starts with an opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday and goes all night until a 5:30 a.m. Sunday closing ceremony.

Over the course of the hours in between, nearly 700 people -- many in groups and participating in honor of a family member or friend who either succumbed to or beat cancer -- will be walking in shifts to raise money for cancer research, cancer society spokesman Kevin McMaster said.

"The idea is cancer never sleeps and we won't either," McMaster said. "People stay up all night and make a big statement."

One of the most poignant parts of the event is the luminaria ceremony, in which bags containing a lit candle are placed around the stadium track. Each represent someone who has survived or died from cancer. That will take place at about 9:15 p.m., he said.

"It's very moving if you've never seen it before," McMaster said.

Beyond that, however, the atmosphere is more party-like, with friends and family members coming all night to cheer on participants. A variety of diversions, including an Elvis impersonator, karaoke and children's activities, are held to encourage walkers and help make the time pass, he said.

"It gets more wild and crazy as the night goes on," McMaster said.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 72 teams signed up, but people can also walk individually. Participants find sponsors to pay for every lap they walk, and anyone who raises $100 gets a Relay for Life T-shirt. There are other incentives for higher amounts collected, McMaster said.

However, there is no fee to participate and people can register the day of the event. Donations from non-walkers will be accepted at the event, or by mail up until Aug. 31.

Although McMaster helps, he said the Joliet race is actually organized by two volunteers Joliet volunteers: Kimberly Radaker and Lisa Burrows, a cancer survivor.

So far, $146,000 has been pledged, and the goal is to raise $200,000, McMaster said.

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