The Relay For Life of Dana Point is being held this weekend, May 2nd-3rd at Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point.
For those unfamiliar with Relay For Life it is a worldwide movement that takes place in 19 countries. Let me provide some data on the American Cancer Society’s nationwide annual Relay’s.
“Relay For Life brings together more than 3.5 million people to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against this disease. Relay brings people together from all walks of life to raise much needed funds and awareness. No matter who you are there is a place for you at Relay.”
As stated in their brochure “there is no finish line until we find a CURE!”
Having participated in a Mission Viejo Relay at Saddleback College’s football stadium I can report that having seen the participants this killer disease does not check your voter registration, bank account balance, color of your skin or ethnic background.
After the Opening Ceremony, which will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, the first event is called the Survivor Lap where those individuals who have fought and won circle the area.
There are also Luminaria that you can obtain in memory of someone lost to cancer that are lit at the Luminaria Ceremony on Saturday night at 9 p.m. You can order them by e-mail or at the event. These candles are placed in a “In Memory Of” or “In Honor Of” lunch sized bag where you can write a name or add a personal comment.
There will be “themed laps and live entertainment throughout the day.”
The last lap of the Relay begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
For additional information on the event visit www.relayforlife.org/danapointca
or call Kathy Martino, event chairman at (949) 370.2697
You can also reach her via email: danapointblonde@yahoo.com
There is also a Cancer Survivors Network for those affected by cancer where you can connect with other survivors or caregivers. Simply go to www.cancer.org/csn to join.
Lantern Bay Park is located at 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, CA.
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