Relay For Life of Greater Rochester to host annual Launch Party

Relay For Life of Greater Rochester will hold their annual Launch Party on Thursday, February 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room at Crittenton Medical Center at 1101 W University Dr, Rochester, Michigan 48307.

The event is open to everyone! Relay For Life is a fun, family friendly event and area residents are invited to attend the Launch Party and learn how they can become a part of an amazing event.

Although the Relay is still a few months away, the Launch Party is an opportunity to learn more about Relay for Life. It gives the guests a chance to learn about more about the inspiring event, how the community can get involved and how individuals can help the American Cancer Society continue fighting cancer as well as take part in an evening of information, inspiration and celebration.

It will be a fun interactive informational evening honoring cancer survivors and caregivers. It will feature information about the Mission of the American Cancer Society, how to form a Relay for life team and what you can do to fight cancer locally. There will be area set up to learn more about “How to become a Team Captain,” “Fundraising Ideas and Help,” Mission of the American Cancer Society, “Cancer Survivor Engagement,” and more. The evening will also include food, refreshments, games, prizes and more.

The evening will provide an informative overview of the Relay for Life event; how it brings people together to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and empower individuals and communities to fight back against a disease that has touched the lives of so many. At the Relay event, teams of individuals camp out at the Hart Middle School track and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, the Relay is an overnight event, 24 hours in length.

Also, during the program they will provide an overview of two significant ceremonies that take place during each Relay for Life. The first of these is the Victory Lap, when everyone comes together to celebrate cancer survivors. Cancer survivors of all ages walk the track as a symbol of defeating the disease, while other “Relayers” and members of the community cheer them on. The second is the “Luminaria Ceremony,” which is probably the most emotional and heart-warming ceremony and takes place at dusk. The entire track will be lined with luminaria bags that each represents a life of someone who has faced cancer. Candles are lit inside the bags and burn throughout the night, lighting the path where participants walk. As a sign of hope and remembrance, the candles guide the way of walkers as they reflect on their loved ones.

This years Relay For Life of Greater Rochester will take place on June 18th beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing through 9:00 a.m. on June 19th. The event raises funds, honors survivors and remembers those who have lost their battle with cancer. Family and friends create teams who walk through out the night along with activities, food, music and the lighting of thousands of luminaries to remember and honor those who fought cancer. Each year the event grows bigger and better. This year will mark the 18th annual event in the Rochester community.

In 2015, 20 teams participated raising over $75,000. Survivors and caregivers gathered at the event for the Survivor Ceremony and luminaries lit the walking path in honor and memory of those touched by cancer. This year, the committee is hoping reach their fundraising goal of $76,000.

Anyone interested in learning more about what Relay for Life is all about, please plan on attending the annual Relay for Life Launch party and informational event on February 25th at 6:00 at Crittenton Medical Center at 1101 W University Dr, Rochester, Michigan 48307. To RSVP, or for more information, please contact Rachel Scheich at 248.663.3436 ext. 3436 or by email at rachel.Scheich@cancer.org.

Community members can also learn more about the event, make a donation, start or join a team by following the links to our local Relay event on www.relayforlife.org/rochestermi. You can also follow us on Facebook at “Relay for Life of Greater Rochester” or the Launch Event at “Relay For Life of Greater Rochester Launch Party.”


# # #

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.