Thursday night was the official Kickoff Party for the Relay For Life of Plymouth, and this event was held at the Plymouth Cultural Center. It was not only a rally to sign up folks to walk in this year's event, but was also a chance to hear the stories of those who have participated in past events.
There were speakers who shared their stories about how cancer has impacted their lives, and how the Relay For Life has been a way for them to help others fight this disease. There are many stories about how this event not only helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society, but also brings people together, who may never have had the chance to meet, and become friends. People, and families have who have shared the same struggles, have created strong bonds from participating in the Relay For Life. In this respect, the Relay For life is much more than a simple fundraiser. Lifelong friendships are formed from the 24 hour gathering, that is Relay For Life.
According to Abigail Stonerook, who works for the American Cancer Society, and is the ACS Staff Partner for the Plymouth event, “Kick-Off is a fun way to rally returning team captains, survivors, sponsors, and potential new participants and team captains.”
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Unfortunately, it was not all good news Thursday night, as a longtime committee member revealed that she had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
In an email, Abby shared that, “ While Thursday was fun, there was also a cloud over the committee. In the past few weeks, one of our committee members was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. It’s not easy to throw a party and be happy when our team mate, Nancy, is still in the raw period after being diagnosed. We Relay to raise money to fund critical research, patient services, and wellness programs—Nancy has been raising money for years to help fund the critical research that has helped with medical breakthroughs that have impacted her treatment. Unfortunately, now it is coming full circle. But she is an example of the fact that we never know who we could be helping—it could be a family member, a stranger, or even ourselves. We will continue to Relay for all of those reasons, but Relay is also about surrounding survivors and caregivers with love and support as they journey through this difficult part of their lives. We will rally around Nancy and her husband Ken (also on the committee) during the most difficult time in their lives.”
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In light of this news, I am sure that those who have participated in the past, will continue, and will do so with even more resolve, and with more purpose. These folks know that the fight against cancer is not a sprint, but rather a marathon, and the fact that Relay is a 24 hour walk, is a symbolic reminder of that fact.
For those who have never participated in the Relay For Life, here are the basics:
The Relay is:
Organized, overnight community fundraising walk
Teams of people camp out around a track
Members of each team take turns walking around the track
Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie
Family-friendly environment for the entire community
Because it’s a team event, individual participants are not required to be there the entire time. But it's so much fun, you'll find it hard to leave!
Abby also wanted to share that, “The Plymouth Relay is a way to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and FIGHT BACK to put an end to cancer.” She pointed out that, “We rely on leaders in the community to become leaders in the fight against cancer by joining our cause, and Relay, as teams, sponsors, or supporters.” As far as Plymouth goes, she indicated that, “ We know Plymouth business owners are invested in our community and we are asking them to become invested in the Relay For Life of Plymouth. Help us get 30 teams formed and on the track, help us raise $100,000 dollars that will fund lifesaving research and get cancer patients in our community rides to their treatment when they don’t have one, help with navigating their insurance, or a place to stay when they have to leave town for treatment.”
Another fun and interesting new side event has been added for the guys this year. It involves mustaches, and putting them on the chopping block. As far as I know, they haven't actually named this challenge yet, but if I were to choose a name, I would call it “Lose The Stache & Get The Cash.”
Here is the official pitch: “If you have a mustache or know someone who does—will you set a price to lose your mustache? Join the men of Plymouth to fundraise for our Relay by raising money to shave your mustache at our Relay on June 21st at Central Middle School. We’re hoping it will be a fundraising success, and mustache extravaganza!”
I may just have to grow my very finest “Pancho Villa” for the Mustache Challenge...
The Relay For Life of Plymouth will begin on June 21, 2014 at 10:00 AM, and end at 10:00 AM the next morning. The Relay will be on the track behind Central Middle School, in Downtown Plymouth. There will be plenty of room for registered teams to pitch tents or canopies for the duration of this event.
For more information, to register a team, register for the survivor lap, or to make a donation, visit: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=59828
For other questions concerning the Plymouth Relay event, you may email Abigail Stonerook at this address---> abigail.stonerook@cancer.org
