The University of North Carolina at
Charlotte's Relay for Life
A TEAM EVENT TO
FIGHT CANCER
WHAT
Relay For Life
is a unique, challenging and fun way to raise money for the American
Cancer Society in any community, large or small—and to raise awareness
of cancer and the work of the American Cancer Society.
Begun as a single
event in 1985 by a doctor in Tacoma, WA, Relay For Life has grown
into the American Cancer Society’s nationwide signature event. What
started as one man’s dream is now an event taking place in over 3,500
communities across this country, as well as in Puerto Rico, Guam,
Canada, and Australia! In 2004, there were about 150 college Relays.
In 2005, there will be 450!!! Most importantly, it is raising millions
of dollars to fund life saving programs of research, education, advocacy
and service—over $270 million raised in 2004!
In addition to being
a really fun, really big community slumber party and great overnight
fundraising event, Relay For Life has been described as a “huge
compassionate support group” - a place where friends, family and
loved ones can come together to celebrate survivorship and to honor
those who have lost the battle to this dreaded disease.
¤We also have an
exciting addition to Relay for Life this year – we are partnering with
Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to
financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term,
medical-related hair loss (commonly associated with Cancer treatment
patients). Students, faculty and staff have already begun signing
up to participate in this exciting partnership by committing to let
their hair grow until Relay for Life on April 13th, after which, each
will donate at least ten inches to Locks of Love, where it will be used
to better the life of a child.. For more information about being part of
Locks of Love, please contact Denise Golden at 704.687.4837 or drgolden@uncc.edu.
WHEN
This event will be
held by many American Cancer Society units throughout the country during
the spring – our event at UNCC will be held on April 13th and
14th 2007
WHERE
Relay for Life 2007 will be held on
the Hayes Field near the new Engineering Building.
HOW
The Relay For
Life will begin at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 13, 2007, with
Opening Ceremonies followed by cancer survivors walking the first lap—a
celebration of life! Team members then begin their participation either
walking or running the track. At around 9:00 PM, a luminaria ceremony
is held to honor people who have fought or are fighting cancer.
Luminaria bags line the track and each will have a name of a cancer
survivor or victim displayed. The Relay ends on Saturday, April
14,
at 6 am, with recognition of the efforts made by all involved and
announcements of the results of the event. Survivors are invited back
to join all the participants in walking the final lap.
This is a donation
event. Each team member pays a $10 registration fee to cover cost of a
Relay T-shirt and to help defray expenses, and is asked to raise a
minimum of $100.00 from donors before the event. Soliciting donations
instead of pledges ensures that all money is collected prior to the
event and teams can enjoy participating in a celebration.
Fundraising is
limited only by the imaginations of team members. Teams can hold yard
sales, bake sales, raffles, car washes, auctions, etc. or just ask
for donations. We encourage organizations to use the Relay as a
team-building opportunity—to bring people together in an informal
setting to have fun and get to know one another outside the work
environment. Bring a tent and set up with your organization or team
name prominently displayed on the tent.
WHY
This event is a
family, community event meant to bring people together for one goal: to
make a difference in the fight against cancer. The Relay For Life
committee believes we can make a difference in the fight
against cancer. Every basis point improvement in the survival rate
represents a person that is someone’s father, mother, wife, husband,
sister, brother, child, friend, etc.
Make no mistake,
this is personal! Cancer knows no socioeconomic boundaries and
plays no favorites. We have all been touched by this insidious disease
and are committed to eradicating this menace one life at a time.
Appropriately, we will begin with a celebration of life as those who
have survived will lead the initial lap. What an encouragement and
inspiration to other cancer patients and family members/friends of
cancer patients who need hope in the face of this disease.
The stakes are high: for those with cancer,
the stakes are life.
Can we afford for our commitment to be less?
