Relay for Life Kicks Off Efforts Tuesday Night

Editor's Note: The Following information was provided by Sheryl Walsh, Media Relations Director for Relay of Life Wilmington.

, set to be held June 15-16, is forecasted to easily surpass the half million dollar mark with this year’s celebratory event. But residents don't have to wait until the summer to participate.

The experience begins on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. with Kick Off Celebration 2012 at . Details of this year’s Relay will be presented, and attendees will also have a chance to learn more about Relay For Life in general.    

Relay For Life came to Wilmington in 2009 and continues to grow each year. Entertainment and activities have expanded annually and last year the number of people attending the Friday night portion was larger than ever. 

Almost 1,200 people came through the gates to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who were lost, and to help fight back against this disease. The event has grown to become one of the largest community happenings in the town. 

The tremendous support and enthusiasm from the residents, who come not just from Wilmington but from surrounding communities too, has led to a track record of success. So far the Wilmington Relay has raised $487,000 for the fight against cancer.

As in the past, the Relay For Life will be an overnight event. It provides people with an opportunity to come together and share in the message of hope. Cancer survivors, their loved ones, and others from the community form teams and will camp out all night and take turns walking laps.  

Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event because cancer never sleeps. Teams will raise funds in a variety of ways. They receive online donations, hold bake sales, conduct drawings, host fitness events, and any other thing they can think of to fight back against cancer.   

The Relay begins with a special Opening Ceremony which focuses on survivorship and includes the honored group of survivors walking around the track with their caregivers. That evening there is also a very beautiful and poignant Luminaria Ceremony.  

Everyone is invited - the Relay For Life itself is open to the public on June 15 as activities and entertainment continue throughout the evening. There will be games, music, and much more. Food will be available for purchase as well during the event and it’s fun for the whole family.

For more information, visit www.wilmingtonrfl.com and come to Kick Off Celebration 2012 on Tuesday at Wilmington High School.