St. Charles teams ready for first step in Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of St. Charles will be held from 6 p.m. Friday, May 14 to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 15, at St. Charles North High School in St. Charles.
Relay For Life of St. Charles is an annual overnight event 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. Teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families raise funds - before and at the event - to help fund support services for area patients and their families, cancer research, community educational programs and advocacy initiatives.
The event begins with local cancer survivors uniting to walk the first lap. They are then joined by family, friends and co-workers; the caregivers who helped them through their battle with cancer.
"Relay is a celebration of hope and an opportunity to reflect and share with others that have been through it," said Maggie Kluck, American Cancer Society spokeswoman. "It is also a time to honor those in our community who lost their battle to the disease.
The Luminaria Ceremony, held just after dark, is in memory of those who have lost their battle and to honor cancer survivors and caregivers. Luminaria, paper bags bearing the name of a loved one that are filled with sand and a candle, line the track and continue to burn throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than 62,400 Illinois residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year and more than 25,600 will die from the disease. Relay For Life community events help make possible local programs such as Road to Recovery, a program that provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments; Wig Banks, which offers free wigs, turbans and other head gear; and Support for Recovery, which matches newly diagnosed patients with cancer survivors to help them cope with their diagnosis, treatment and recovery. In addition, Relay For Life helps support the Society's Patient Navigation Services, which offers a place where cancer patients and their families can meet face-to-face with a social worker to discuss questions and concerns about diagnosis including subjects such as insurance, clinical trials, financial assistance, family counseling and treatment options.
Anyone wishing to form a team, participate in survivor activities or honor a loved one with a luminaria should contact the American Cancer Society at (630) 879-9009 or visit relayforlifestcharles.com.