Relay For Life of Buffalo Grove/Stevenson set for June 17-18
Over 500 community residents are expected together and celebrate, enjoy entertainment, inspirational speakers and more at the Relay For Life of Buffalo Grove/Stevenson on Friday, June 18 at the Buffalo Grove High School, 1100 W. Dundee Road. The first lap of the Relay starting at 7 p.m. is to honor our cancer survivors.
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. Teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families raise funds - 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.
“This event was organized by the local high school students who had a lot of fun putting together the evening's activities,” says ACS staff person Danelle Laumeyer. “Lots of activities are planned throughout the night. We have local bands from each high school that will perform, as well as theme laps such as sports fans, celebrity look alikes, and crazy hair.
Some of the fun that youth teams look forward to is spending the night camped on the grounds of Buffalo Grove High School football field. “Kids bring tents, sleeping bags, games and plenty of food,” says Laumeyer.
In addition to being a celebration, Relay For Life is also a tribute to those who have been lost to cancer, a celebration of those who have survived cancer, and a hope for those who currently face cancer that one day through our efforts cancer will be eliminated.
“In memory of my mother and sister and in hope and support of all those affected by cancer, I join the American Cancer Society Relay For Life to help make a difference,” said Relay walker Lissette Gomez from Buffalo Grove, “Together, we have the power to help create a world where cancer can no longer claim another year of anyone's life.”
The Luminaria Ceremony will be held at 10 p.m. just after dark, 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 loves ones' contributions.
Teams are made up of friends and families, community groups and businesses. There is still time to sign up to participate in this overnight, life-affirming experience to share hope with cancer survivors, caregivers and other supporters in the fight to eliminate cancer.
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 (847) 317-0025, or visit www.relayforlifebuffalogrove.com.