What You Can Do
Fight cancer with a relay for life
by Lynette Majer

Did you know that one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes? The American Cancer Society (ACS) is one of the oldest and largest voluntary health agencies in the nation dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Over two million volunteers nationwide help in its efforts.

If you have experienced cancer, or know someone who has, you may want to join others this month in the Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature event, which takes place in over 2,500 communities nationwide. The relay on Aug. 16-17 in San Francisco’s Marina District is designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer, and coincides with an international relay in Gateshead, UK. In this third year of hosting the event, the ACS hopes to raise over $50,000 and bring together over 500 people to honor survivors, remember those lost, and fight back against this insidious disease by raising money and public awareness to help eliminate cancer altogether.

At the relay, teams will take turns walking or running laps for 24 hours with the goal of keeping one team member on the course throughout; the event is held overnight as a reminding metaphor that cancer never sleeps. The opening lap honors survivors, and the day culminates with a moving Ceremony of Hope with lighted luminaria representing survivors and honoring those lost.

Although the Relay for Life is mainly a fundraising event, it also seeks to build a sense of community to fulfill our need for belonging. In its 24-hour duration that is both meaningful and fun, participants have plenty of time to cultivate relationships. Many will be inspired by the strength of survivors to continue their own battle against cancer, and most will find healing through sharing memories of those lost. Like most fund-raising events, the relay is volunteer-driven, but ACS staff coach the volunteers, which creates a genuine connection.
In addition to the relay, some of the fun events planned are live bands, a kickball tournament, a drag show, and even belly dancing and salsa lessons. You can help with the event by setting up or cleaning up (or wherever help is needed), planning the relay, or participating in the relay on a team or as an individual.

You can also dedicate a luminaria in honor of a loved one, or just come to the event to enhance a sense of San Francisco as a caring community.

Relay for Life: Crissy Field, Aug. 16-17, www.events.cancer.org/
rflsanfranciscomarinaca, Thomas Li at 08relay@gmail.com

E-mail: lynette@northsidesf.com