Upcoming Kane County Relay for Life Among Tops in Illinois

For many volunteers, the upcoming American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Kane County, scheduled for June 22 at , home of the Kane County Cougars, is more than just another fundraising event. Those who have participated before agree that it can be a life-changing experience. 

The 2012 volunteer planning committee for the Relay For Life of Kane County are encouraging all community members to join this local Relay For Life event to celebrate the lives of those who have cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease, honor caregivers and fight back against a disease that takes too many.

Teams from area families, schools, community groups and businesses are still needed to participate in this overnight, life-affirming experience to share hope with cancer survivors, caregivers and other supporters in the fight to eliminate cancer. 

Communities throughout Illinois hosted more than 200 Relay For Life events last year, Kane County’s event ranked in the Top 25 most successful events. The Relay For Life of Kane County is open to the public, and individuals are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the variety of food, games, music and special activities that will be offered throughout the evening.

Relay For Life will begin at 6 p.m. June 22 and will wrap up at 6 a.m. the next morning. 

Local survivors are invited to the first "Caregivers' Coffeehouse" at the Relay For Life of Kane County, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, where they can enjoy coffee, light refreshments and live music. Everyone is welcome to come by and share their personal story/experience with other Relayers, survivors and caregivers. 

Armed with comfortable shoes and an array of supplies needed for their overnighter, young and old alike will walk around the clock because cancer never sleeps. Though not all individuals are able to stay the entire evening, many individuals will be in motion all night and most teams will have at least one team member walking or running the track at all times. 

Relay For Life starts with the Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m. Local cancer survivors are invited to unite to walk a survivor lap immediately following the Opening Ceremony. Cheered on as they travel around the track, many will be joined for the next lap, the Caregiver Lap, by family and friends as the caregivers who helped see them through their cancer journey. 

A Luminaria Ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. to honor cancer survivors and caregivers, and remember those who have lost their battle against cancer. Luminaria, bags with the names of those being honored illuminated with light, line the track and continue to glow throughout the night lighting the path and reminding participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. Luminaries are available on-line at www.relayforlife.org/kaneil. 

Immediately following the Luminaria Ceremony is a Fireworks Show, donated by the Kane County Cougars.

If you would like more information about Relay For Life of Kane County, contact the American Cancer Society at (630) 879-9009 x 3 or visit the website. 

About the American Cancer Society 

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force with more than 100,000 volunteers in Illinois and millions elsewhere, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer, and countless more who have avoided it, will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more or get help, call us any time at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

SOURCE: American Cancer Society press release