By Khalida Sarwari
Twelve years ago, Saratogans embarked upon their first walk around a track to stamp out a disease that’s touched just about everyone in one way or another. And this weekend the community of cancer survivors, their families and their caregivers will reunite for another 24-hour event that aims to raise money for people suffering from the disease, while memorializing those who have passed away.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life takes place July 25-26 at Crestbrook Field across Saratoga Avenue from the Saratoga Public Library.
Members of 19 teams will gather on the field for a 24-hour event that includes activities, food, live music, speakers, onsite fundraisers and entertainment … with lots of walking in between. For each of the 24 hours, one person from each team walks around the track.
Relay for Life begins at 10 a.m. on July 25 and ends at 10 a.m. the following day. During that time, participants organize various events to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, such as a survivor walk, a brunch for survivors and a luminaria ceremony at sunset, where white candles will replace the facility lights and bags bearing the names of all those affected by cancer will be illuminated.
Throughout the day, teams will sell raffle tickets and hold silent auctions. During an open mic segment, people will be encouraged to come up on stage and talk about who they are participating for.
This year’s event will feature a few new tricks, according to Thierry Doyen, a member of the event leadership team. There will be a lap-counting solution with live updates on the web, social media and on big screen TVs at the event showing the progress of participants’ efforts, Doyen said.
Chiropractors, professional massage therapists and other services professionals will provide free services to participants.
Professional hairstylists will be offering free haircuts and styling to participants interested in donating 8 inches or more of their hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a free wig-making program that donates to the cancer society’s wig bank, which supports cancer victims that lose their hair after undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments.
Participants will be able to find information about different types of cancer at various team booths. One, for example, will have gynecologic oncologists discuss their work, research and women’s “below-the-belt” cancers via video conference.
Also, businesses and supporting families have pledged to donate funds for every lap walked by any participant.
“We hope that as many of our citizens and supporters will come and log in laps at our event, whether just a few ‘for the form’ or many for hardcore dedicated supporters,” said Doyen.
On Sunday morning, the event will be wrapped up with an announcement of the money raised up to that point and a recognition of the participating teams.
Saratoga’s first Relay event was held in 2004. Since then, the community has cumulatively raised nearly $465,000.
Thus far this year, Saratoga has 19 teams signed up and has raised more than $19,000. All proceeds from the event will go toward funding cancer research, education and patient support services.
The event is free to attend. Registered survivors and caregivers will be treated to a free T-shirt and luncheon.
Those interested in joining a team can do so up until the day of the event. To join, either as a participant or a survivor, visit the Saratoga Relay for Life website atrelayforlife.org/saratogaca.
