2013 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Wheeling
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Wheeling
Focuses on Birthdays and Saving Lives Faster
Celebrate, remember and fight back at Relay May 4, 2013
Wheeling Ill. – For area residents battling cancer, “Happy Birthday” takes on a whole new meaning.
Local volunteers have devoted their time, talents and energy over the last several months to saving lives faster and creating a world with more birthdays as they prepare for this year's American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Wheeling to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Wheeling High School Field House - 900 S Elmhurst Rd, Wheeling. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. and continues until the closing ceremony at 5:30 a.m. the following morning.
Relay For Life is an overnight event that brings the community together in the fight against cancer to celebrate the lives of those who have cancer, remember those lost to the disease, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. Individuals and teams raise money - prior to and at the event – to support cancer research to help find cures and to provide local programs aimed at helping people stay well, get well and fight back.
“Just like each birthday, I look forward to rejoining my team each year for Relay and celebrating together,” said (Fundraising Chair/Volunteer/Survivor) Alice Henningsen. “This family-friendly event is open to everyone. Whether you take in the entertainment for a couple of hours or stay all night, we hope that you will make plans to support your Relay For Life of Wheeling and our efforts to eliminate this awful disease forever.”
Relay For Life of Wheeling starts with local cancer survivors uniting to walk the first lap of the event. They are then joined by family, friends and co-workers; the caregivers who helped them through their battle with cancer.
The Luminaria Ceremony, often the most emotional part of the event, will be held at 9:00 p.m., to honor and remember loved ones. Honorees include survivors, caregivers and those who have lost their battle against the disease. Hundreds of Luminaria will line the track and continue to burn throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their loved ones' contributions. Luminaries are available by visiting www.relayforlife.org/wheelingil or by contacting Andy Fry at 847-368-1166x3, or Andy.Fry@cancer.org. They will also be available at the event.
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Wheeling organizers hope to raise $80,000 at this year's event. To help reach this goal there will be onsite fundraising which includes a silent auction with items from local sports teams, restaurants, theatres etc.
In addition to fundraising, there will be other activities throughout the evening: Zumba warm up, DJ, live music, cooking demo, costume contests, Karaoke, midnight movie and more.
Relay For Life helps fund the American Cancer Society's efforts to advance cancer prevention, treatment, patient services and cures. This includes the Society's Patient Navigation Services program, designed to fill a critical void in heath care and social services by acting as a full-service navigator to anyone touched by cancer. The services provided by the American Cancer Society include transportation assistance to treatments; discounted lodging at hotels for patients who need to travel to receive care; insurance coverage assistance; resource matching and referrals; and cosmetic help such as free wigs or headwear for patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy. The Society also offers cancer information and access to support groups via its call center, accessible anytime at 800-227-2345, and at its Web site, www.IllinoisCancerHelp.org.
For more information on how to get involved in Relay For Life of Wheeling contact the American Cancer Society Staff Partner, Andy Fry at 847-368-1166x3 or visit www.relayforlife.org/wheelingil.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force with more than 100,000 volunteers in Illinois and millions elsewhere, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer, and countless more who have avoided it, will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more or get help, call us any time at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.