ECC readies for 12th annual Relay For Life
Each year, hundreds of Elgin Community College community members, employees and students walk continually throughout the night to raise money for cancer research during the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
This year's event will be held, rain or shine, from 6 p.m. Friday, June 13, to 6 a.m. Saturday, June 14, in the lot between buildings C and M, off Hoffer Drive, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
ECC Student Life has hosted the event for 12 consecutive years. To date, the college has raised more than $500,000 for cancer research, education, advocacy, and rehabilitation services.
During the event, teams of eight to 12 people spend the night walking relay style as teammates while others camp out, enjoy motivational music, celebrate those who won their battle with cancer and remember those who lost their battle.
For 28 years, Relay For Life has provided inspiration and hope for millions of cancer survivors and caregivers. Founded in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt, who circled a track for 24 hours, totaling 87 miles and raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life has grown into a worldwide event. Today, almost $5 billion has been raised in more than 5,200 Relay For Life events across the United States, and 20 non-governmental cancer organizations battle cancer across the globe.
To date, Relay For Life of Elgin Community College features 17 teams and more than 100 participants, who have raised more than $15,000.
Festivities begin with a reception honoring cancer survivors at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13. Opening ceremonies commence at 7 p.m. and include a survivors' and caregivers' lap. At dusk, the college cloaks itself in darkness, leaving hundreds of luminarias glowing to honor those battling cancer and remember those who lost their fight.
To register or join a team for ECC's Relay For Life, walk in the survivor's lap, learn about event volunteer opportunities, or purchase a luminaria for $10 each, contact Katie Storey at (847) 214-7659 or visit relayforlife.org.