By Khalida Sarwari
Hundreds of folks from Saratoga and beyond will take to the St. Andrew’s field the first weekend of June to square off against the killer of more than 50,000 people in California last year.
The fight will be against cancer, but the 2013 Relay for Life event will also pay tribute to cancer survivors as well as those who have lost their lives.
This year will mark the American Cancer Society’s eighth Relay for Life event in Saratoga. Members of more than 20 teams will gather on the field for a 24-hour event that will include food, live music, speakers, onsite fundraisers, entertainment and walking–lots and lots of walking. For each of the 24 hours, one person from each team will walk around the track. In that respect, it is an event unlike any other of its kind.
“Relay for Life offers us the opportunity to make a statement against cancer,” said George Mageles, the 2013 event chairman. “When we sometimes feel hopeless to prevent cancer, we can act to support those who have cancer. We can act to help people prevent cancer. And finally, we can remember those we have lost to cancer.”
Relay for Life begins at 10 a.m. on June 1 and ends at 10 a.m. the following day. Some of the highlights that will take place during that time include 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 illuminate the names of all those affected by the disease.
“One of the most powerful elements of the event are the survivors and those who have lost friends visiting with each other on the field during the event,” said Sid Faulkner, the ceremonies chairman. “I’ve had the most remarkable conversations with total strangers during the survivors’ lap and at other times during the day. Survivors have amazing stories to tell–and share them freely.”
He added, “Doctors can give you pills and such; at Relay people give each other the gift of hope, and that doesn’t come in pill form.”
On Sunday morning, the event wraps up with an announcement of the amount raised up to that point and a message about fighting back against the disease.
The 300 participants in last year’s Relay for Life included 85 survivors and 25 teams. The event raised about $46,000.
Thus far this year, Saratoga has 21 teams signed up and has raised more than $25,000. The goal, according to Faulkner, is to raise $100,000. Proceeds from the event will go toward funding cancer research, education and patient support services.
Those interested in joining a team may 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 at re layforlife.org/saratogaca.
