Survivors, caregivers to be honored at Relay For Life

Local cancer survivors and their caregivers will take the celebratory first lap at the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of South McHenry County event on Friday, June 3 at Immanuel Lutheran, 300 S. Pathway Court in Crystal Lake.

The survivor and caregiver laps will be led by the Crystal Lake Strikers, immediately follow the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer is welcome to participate. As the survivors walk, other participants will cheer them on in a demonstration of support and celebration. The five-year survival rate for all cancers has risen to 68 percent, and there are an estimated 14.5 million survivors in America.

The Relay For Life of South McHenry County is a community event where teams and individuals set up campsites at Immanuel Lutheran and take turns walking around a path while enjoying entertainment and activities. Last year, 4 million people participated in more than 6,000 events worldwide. The money raised supports groundbreaking cancer research, education and risk reduction efforts, and free information and critical services for people with cancer who need them.

If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver and would like to be part of the Relay For Life event, you can register at relayforlife.org/southmchenryil, or call the American Cancer Society at (630) 879-9009.