Relay for Life
Light the way to a cure
Comet staff report

Carroll County's 6th annual Relay for Life, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society, will be July 27 and 28 on the Carroll High School track.

It will start at 6 p.m. on Friday and conclude at noon on Saturday. Teams and individuals will be walking on the track during that time.

The Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. Friday. When the sun goes down, hundreds of luminarias light the way under the stars to remember those lost to cancer, those fighting cancer, and those who have battled cancer and won.

The ceremony symbolizes hope and perseverance in the continued fight against cancer.

In exchange for a donation, anyone can dedicate a luminaria in memory of or in honor of someone who has had or is battling cancer.

Luminarias consist of tea candles positioned inside paper bags filled with sand. Each illuminated bag has the name of the individual being honored or remembered.

The luminarias are placed along the track. Some are also lined up on the bleachers to spell out HOPE.

Accompanied by a moment of silence, all names listed on the bags are read aloud to solemnly recognize the individuals' valiant fight with cancer. Many cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and friends identify the ceremony as an important part of the healing process for overcoming the effects of cancer. The ceremony brings Relay For Life into focus and validates why the community has come together to raise money for the cause.

"Each and every individual that encounters someone living with cancer, whether that person is a friend, a loved one, or colleague, knows that a flame burns inside them all," said Sandy Chapin, community representative, American Cancer Society. "This flame is their strength, their determination, their hope, and their optimism."

Luminaria donations keep the fire of hope burning. The donations can be mailed (see accompanying form) or given at the registration table at the event.

The public is welcome to attend the Luminaria Ceremony, walk on the track, and take part in various activities at the twoday event.

For those who can't attend the ceremony, the American Cancer Society has created an Illuminate Hope website to donate virtual luminaria. To learn more, visit www.acslighthope. org.

Last year, nearly 300,000 luminarias were donated in Indiana and Michigan alone. For more information on the American Cancer Society or donating luminarias, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.