Health & Fitness
Reasons to Relay #6 -- Remember
During Relay For Life, we take the time to remember those who we have lost to cancer.
The 2013 Relay For Life of Bethel is an overnight, grassroots fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. This year's event will take place on Saturday, June 8. Since it's 2013, we'll be sharing 13 reasons why YOU should join us at Relay For Life. Reason #6 is Remember.
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Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
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As the Relay For Life slogan goes, after we celebrate cancer survivors with the Survivor Lap, we then remember those we have lost with the Luminaria Ceremony.
The Luminaria Ceremony usually starts just after nightfall. The track is lined with luminaria -- white paper bags each containing a glow stick so they light up the night. Each luminaria is dedicated to someone who has fought or is currently fighting a battle against cancer. They are decorated, sometimes with photos, often with messages of love and hope.
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The track lights are turned off, and a hush falls over the hundreds of Relay participants as they reflect on their own -- or their loved one's -- cancer experience. Relayers then take a silent lap around the darkened track, lit up only with the luminaria.
First-time Relayers will find that the Luminaria Ceremony is often the most memorable -- and most emotional -- part of their Relay experience. Even Relay veterans get teary-eyed taking in the sight of so many luminaria -- each one marking someone's cancer battle.
While it is certainly a ceremony of remembrance, the Luminaria Ceremony is also one of hope. Hope that the luminaria lights will lead the way to a future free from cancer.
Please join us for the Luminaria Ceremony on June 8th as we reflect on and remember those who have battled cancer, and look forward to a day when cancer is defeated forever.
To dedicate a Relay For Life luminaria to a loved one, you can order online or you can purchase at Relay on June 8th.
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For more information about the Relay For Life of Bethel, please visit our website.
Previous Reasons to Relay:
#1: Research
#2: Education
#3: Advocacy
#4: Patient Services
#5: Celebrate
