Local cancer survivors will take a celebratory lap at the 20th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Poweshiek County. The event will be held Friday, July 5th from 5-10PM at Central Park, in conjunction with Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Friday Night Live. Survivors are encouraged to register starting at 5PM and participate in the Survivors Lap beginning at 6PM. Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer is invited to join in and everyone from the community is encouraged to be a part of the event in a public show of support.
At dusk luminarias will be lit. Anyone can dedicate a luminaria to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who has overcome cancer. Luminaria bags and order forms are available at Grinnell State Bank or the night of Relay at the event.
“Relay For Life is a passion of mine. It’s my way of honoring my dad, my family and my friends who have died from cancer, beat cancer and those who are fighting for their lives right now. There are so many types of cancer and so much work to be done in developing cures, but it’s happening! Relay For Life supports lifesaving research for all cancers, while also supporting cancer survivors with compassionate and supportive services, at no cost to them. It’s all funded by your donations and can only survive if our communities choose to support it, said Patty Manatt, Relay For Life volunteer. Please join me at this year’s Relay to encourage those who are suffering from cancer and cheer for survivors who have won their fight. Come see the luminaries lit after dark. Walk slowly and read each one, for every person and their fight is worth remembering.”
Relay For Life is the main fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. With 3.5 million participants across the world, Relay For Life inspires communities to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Funds raised from Relay For Life events allow the ACS to attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies and innovative research, to building supportive communities that come together to help those affected by cancer with access to treatment. ACS is a non-profit organization, not funded by the government, empowering resources and deploying activists to raise awareness and develop game-changing approaches to address the effects of cancer on our society.
To learn more about Relay For Life, and register a team, visit relayforlife.org/poweshiekcountyiaor contact Patty Manatt at 641.990.7910 or manattman@hotmail.com.
