RELAY FOR LIFE A GREAT SUCCESS

This year’s Relay For Life of Greater Rochester was a great success, raising more than $53,000 for cancer research, education, advocacy and service and funds are continuing to come in.

More than 160 Rochester area residents rallied together to fight against cancer by participating in the annual American Cancer Society’s signature event, June 18th held at at the new event location; SJHMC Rochester Hills Cancer Center.

During the event, teams of local individuals, businesses and clubs gathered on the grounds of the cancer center and took turns walking, jogging, or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Most teams set up tents, decorate their campsites with a theme, bring food and overall just have a great time! There is entertainment throughout the event and a DJ on hand all night long as well as food, kid’s games, celebrating the lives of cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost to cancer and fighting back against a disease that has taken too much from too many.

“Relay was an inspiring event. The number of people that came to support survivors and caregivers as they took their victory lap and the families there to remember loved ones lost to the disease by lighting a luminaria truly offered hope that one-day cancer will not be a major health problem,” said Event Lead Erin Perrault.

The event kicked off at 10:00 am Saturday morning with the Opening Ceremony led by Event Lead Erin Perrault. Following, Mayors of Rochester and Rochester Hills, Cathy Daldin and Bryan Barnett were on hand to welcome Relayers and share why the event is important to them and the cities. Dawn Dameron from the Presenting Sponsor, Volkswagen talk about their continuing partnership with the Rochester Relay for Life. And, Dr. Paul Chuba from SJHMC Rochester Hills Cancer Center shared his thoughts on the new location and partnership with SJHMC Rochester Hills Cancer Center.

Again this year, VFW Post 3908 led the Opening Flag Ceremony followed by Jennifer Kincer and Lia Catallo who sang the National Anthem, who sang the National Anthem.

The event sponsors were acknowledged by Leadership team member Kris Peterson during the opening events including: Presenting Sponsor ($10,000); Volkswagen Group of America, Inc, Signature Sponsors ($250); Hilton Hotels and Lap of Love of Michigan, Bronze Sponsors ($500); Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, Great Lakes Cancer Management Specialists, R&G Drummer ($1,000); Meijer, North Macomb MRT Center, DiBella’s Subs, Rochester Area Jaycees; ($1,500) Oakland Animal Hospital, GKN, St. John Providence, Crittenton Hopital. As well as In-Kind Sponsors: DiBella’s Subs, CK Diggs and Clubhouse BFD for Sponsoring the Survivor Luncheon and Mind Busters Trivia for DJ Services. And, then the teams were off for their first lap and the event was officially in full swing!

At the heart of Relay For Life are two ceremonies that pay tribute to those who have battled cancer. The first of these is the Survivor’s Victory Lap which was led by committee member Angela Delpup and other members of SJHMC Rochester Hills Cancer Center. Survivors, whether currently in treatment or long-time recovery, joined together with past and present caregivers to walk a lap around the track. The ceremony began with special speaker from 18-year Breast Cancer Survivor, Susan Foltin. Susan shared her journey through cancer and shared a bit about her career as she studies head and neck cancers in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Michigan. Margaret Dimond, CEO of Crittenton Hospital Medical Center welcomed the survivors and their caregivers and then lined them up behind the banner by the number of years that they had been a cancer survivor. We are pleased to have survivors of more than 25 years at our event.

As the Victory Lap began, more than 50 cancer survivors and caretakers walked a celebratory lap around the track together as they were cheered on by a track lined with friends, family members and Relay For Life participants, all applauding their victory. Each year, survivors also come back to add this year’s date next to their handprints on the Survivor quilt. Following the Ceremony and Lap, all survivors and caregivers are invited for a light luncheon provided by DiBella's Subs, CK Diggs and Clubhouse BFD.

Each of the teams had the opportunity to donate items for a Live Auction which was held in the afternoon. The auction raised more than $1000 toward the event goal including training sessions, massages, gift baskets and much more.

Throughout the event, guests also enjoyed the entertainment coordinated by Entertainment Lead Kris Peterson including St. Luke's Praise Band, Fitness Instructor Susie Skibo held a Zumba lesson, live music from Just Cause, Copperwheel as well as Telephon9.

Other events took place during the day including the Silent Auction and a Healthy Cooking Demonstration. In addition, Joey from Channel 95.5 attended to host a Mission-related trivia game. DJ music was supplied by Mind Busters Trivia.

A new addition this year, the Garden of Remembrance was a special place of solace and reflection. An area around the walking path was designated as the “Garden of Remembrance.” This area contained items of remembrance as well as boards displaying stories of loved ones and friends affected by cancer (someone lost to cancer).

It is during the Luminaria Ceremony, that the true meaning of Relay For Life hits home. Luminaries bags are light just before dusk, each decorated with pictures, drawings and loved ones’ names; honoring cancer survivors or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer. The ceremony was led by Erin Perrault and took place at sundown. During the ceremony, Rochester Pride performed. And, then participants and guests were asked to take a single lap in silence, led by Highland Bagpiper, Donald Ross. As the more than 1100 luminaria, lit in honor and in memory of those who have battled cancer or in support of a caregiver, glowed around the track. The candles continued to burn throughout the night, lighting a path that will one-day lead to a cure. It is a powerful testimony to why we do Relay For Life.

The event then returned to a more upbeat feel as the music livened and everyone took another lap around the track. The upbeat mood continued throughout the remainder of the evening as teams participated in activities and laps around the track.

The event then came to an end at 12:00 am Sunday morning with the Closing Ceremony. As the event came to a close, everyone took a final lap together in a proud moment for a “community taking up the fight!”

The 2016 Relay for Life committee it grateful to the numerous community members, cancer survivors, caregivers, teams and individuals that helped make this Relay For Life such a huge success.

“Relay For Life is a perfect example of the great results that can be accomplished through teamwork,” said Rachel Scheich from the American Cancer Society “By joining together we built strong teams, raised money and united our community in fighting back against cancer.”

Donations can still be made to American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greater Rochester by visiting www.relayforlife.org/rochestermi or you can mail donations to American Cancer Society Attn: Relay For Life of Greater Rochester 20450 Civic Center Dr. Southfield MI 48076. There is an upcoming Dine and Donate at Rochester Mills Beer Co. on Sunday, July 24th. Visit the website or Facebook page to print out the flyer so that 20% of your bill will be donated to the Relay for Life of Greater Rochester.

Efforts are already underway for the 2017 event. If you might be interested in being a part of the planning committee, or if you have any questions, please contact Rachel Scheich at 248.663.3436 or email at rachel.scheich@cancer.org.