Cancer never sleeps. For some, it cuts their life short. For others, it puts them through a tumultuous road to recovery. For the survivors and those impacted by the disease, Relay for Life is a way to raise awareness and funds that work to put cancer to rest. With millions of participants and hundreds of millions of dollars in raised funds every year, Relay for Life is the largest non-profit fundraising event in the world.
Participants meet at a school, park, or fairground that has a track or path where they can walk for cancer all night – and sometimes, up to 24 hours. Because cancer never sleeps, neither do they. Started in 1985 by a colorectal surgeon, the American Cancer Society holds Relay for Life every year, with events taking place in 20 countries.
In my region events go on from May through September, but you’ll want to check with your area to find out when events are taking place. With a $10 registration fee, anyone can join or even start their own team. Relay for Life does not have a minimum requirement of funds that you must raise to participate, but they do share some fundraising ideas to help you raise money.
Relay For Life provides several opportunities for you to get involved. As a committee member, you can help organize the actual event. By joining or starting a team, you’ll join thousands of people on the track to walk. For every mile that you walk, you can expect to burn about 100 calories! So the benefits of joining Relay For Life can quickly add up.
The National Team Program is a way for businesses and organizations to participate. There is even an event that honors dogs for their care-giving qualities for those with cancer, called Bark For Life. To help you learn more, Relay For Life has online resources, a library and podcasts, making this cancer walk an easy process.
Register or donate to get started with Relay For Life and help the world celebrate more birthdays by ending cancer.
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