By Corinne Murphy
Westerville Central High School will host the community’s annual Relay for Life Friday, June 20.
This year, Westerville’s 22 teams and 170 participants, which have raised $31,000 and counting, have been empowered to join the movement to fight back against cancer.
In the months prior to the event, participants compete with other teams to raise the most money, which goes to the American Cancer Society and is then invested in research in every type of cancer, as well as providing free information and services to cancer patients and caregivers.
Teams camp out overnight around the track at the Relay, which features food, games and entertainment throughout the night. A survivor lap and a caregiver lap kick off the event in order to honor those who have struggled with cancer. During the main Relay event, at least one participant from each team is asked to be on the track at all times, because “cancer never sleeps.”
A luminaria ceremony, in which participants can place a candle in a personalized bag around the track as a glowing tribute of loved ones whose lives have been affected by cancer, occurs at dark. A “Fight Back” ceremony closes the event, inspiring individuals to commit to fighting cancer year-round.
You can make a donation towards a participant, team or the event at www.relayforlife.org.
June 13, 2014: Westerville Relay for Life battles cancer and honors those affected
