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Relay For Life gears up for its thirteenth year in Elkhart
When was the last time you pulled an all-nighter? Probably not since your teens or early twenties. But every year, one group gives you the opportunity to gather with friends for a full 24-hours. The best part is that the cause behind the all-nighter is much bigger than cramming for finals. And, it’s a lot more fun. It’s the annual Relay For Life event that raises funds for cancer research.
“It’s a 24-hour party for hope,” said Ginger Darwin, a cancer survivor and frequent participant over the last two decades at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Elkhart County. “The DJ is pumping music all night, people are walking on the track and activities are going on. There is emotion behind it, but it’s fun. It’s basically celebrating the victory of the money that has been raised.”
Darwin was first diagnosed with cancer nearly 22 years ago. Since then she has battled the disease seven different times, having had three different types of cancer throughout the years. During that time, she has seen the results of cancer research that events like Relay For Life help fund. “I saw research in action. It went from a bone marrow transplant from a donor to a stem cell transplant from a donor to stem cells from my own body,” she explained.
The first Relay For Life event took place in 1986. Since then, millions of people have participated around the world. This year, Elkhart is celebrating its thirteenth year of taking part in the event.
“There are over five thousand Relay For Life events held each year in 19 different countries, and these events raise 80 percent of all cancer research funds,” said Theresa Burger, vice-chair of Elkhart’s Relay For Life. “The type of cancer I was diagnosed with had a 30 percent survival rate in 1962. Today it is 70 percent, all due to the continuing research that is being done.”
How does it work?
On February 2, 2012, the Elkhart Relay For Life will kick-off this year’s fundraiser. The relay will take place June 16 to 17 at Concord High School. Participants raise funds ahead of time and build teams who work together over the 24-hours of the relay, ensuring that at least one person from the team is walking on the track at all times. The others are welcome to camp-out, make new friends and have fun as they wait their turn to walk. The event begins at night; as Darwin explained, it symbolizes “the dark night of diagnosis and treatment.”
The first lap around the track is a time for cancer survivors to walk a victory lap. “It’s reunion time. Sometimes we see people we don’t see at any other time,” said Darwin. “It’s an annual thing that we get together. It’s really exciting, but emotional. We are celebrating because we are all still here.”
During the second lap, caregivers and family members are encouraged to walk alongside the survivors.
Who is invited?
While family, friends and caregivers are encouraged to participate, everybody is welcome to join the relay. As Burger said, “Everyone knows someone who has cancer whether it is a relative, friend or neighbor. Sometimes we don’t know what to do or say. I feel by participating in Relay For Life, we are doing and saying something very important. We are spreading the word that this dreaded disease must be eradicated.”
Darwin was first diagnosed months after her first grandchild was born. “He probably did as much for my healing as anything because I wanted to see that little guy grow up.” When he was three, he walked with Darwin during Relay For Life. They have walked beside each other during nearly every relay since then.
Why is it so important?
“When I was told I had cancer, there really are no words to express how I felt,” Burger said. “I do remember it actually took my breath away. I felt numb, scared, worried and overwhelmed. At first, I didn’t even want to share this news with anyone, not even my children because I’ve always been an independent woman, but I quickly realized I both wanted and needed support from my loved ones.”
Relay For Life is one way to support everyone who is battling cancer. Juliana Newbill, American Cancer Society community representative, explained, “There is alarming news in the fight against cancer. This year, cancer is poised to take over as the number one killer of Americans, surpassing heart disease. The good news is that nearly half of all cancer deaths are preventable, and that events like Relay For Life not only educate people on what they can do to reduce their cancer risk, but also raise funds that lead to better treatment and more lives saved. Everything we do at Relay For Life contributes to reducing cancer mortality and incidences. Whether it is raising dollars that support free patient services and research or volunteering to commit to advocacy and education efforts – we’re all a part of the fight.”
In the end, Burger explained why this all-nighter is worth the lack of sleep and fatigue that may result: “It is crazy and exhausting, but it’s a wonderful crazy and exhausting experience!”
