The American Cancer Society’s ‘Relay For Life’ is an awe-inspiring, global event that takes place in over 20 countries. More then 4 million people from all walks of life come together every year with the same goal in mind - to raise money for and create awareness about the programs that the American Cancer Society (ACS) funds. The ultimate goal: to create a future without cancer. That point is worth emphasizing … The ACS wants you and your loved ones to one day live in a world that does not fear the life-altering disease that is cancer. And not just one particular form of cancer. All cancers. It is a tremendous task to take on and one that requires the utmost dedication and fortitude.
If you are not familiar with Relay, it consists of a variety of things, but to sum it up, it is an event where teams of people set up campsites around a track and team members take turns walking the track so that someone from the team is constantly in motion.
For well over a decade now, the residents of Ellicottville, NY and surrounding areas have come together to host a Relay For Life fundraising event. Saturday, June 1, 2013 marks the date of this year’s event, which will return to the track at Ellicottville Central School. It will start at 12pm and end at 12am on June 2. In that 12-hour period, hundreds of people will share the moving experience that is Relay For Life.
“The Relay For Life of Ellicottville is one of the longest running Relays in the Western New York region,” said Crystal Page, ACS Director of Special Events for Cattaraugus County. “This is thanks to the wonderful community that year after year supports the American Cancer Society by taking part in the Relay For Life. Ellicottville's Relay has been going on for over 10 years with not only the Ellicottville community supporting us, but many of the surrounding communities as well!”
Last year the Ellicottville Relay raised over $48,000 - all of which went to the fight against cancer. Approximately 45 cancer survivors were in attendance. According to Page, this year the goal is $53,000. They are looking to get at least 200 people and 20 teams involved in the celebration.
AN EXPERIENCE YOU’LL NEVER FORGET
If you have never participated in a Relay, it is an emotional and heart-warming experience. It is one that is absolutely worth your time and efforts.
The day will start off with Opening Ceremonies featuring an Honorary Survivor speech. Hearing survivors speak about their battle against cancer is a powerful experience. It creates a sense of inspiration unlike any other and should not be missed.
Relay is a very moving event, but that’s not to say it is not without its lighter moments. In fact, the celebration is just as much about light hearted fun as it is serious recognition.
“I became involved with Relay shortly after my grandfather past away from prostate cancer in April of 2010,” stated Page. “Every year since, my family has come together to do our part to fight back against the disease that has affected so many lives. Relay is the opportunity for friends and family to remember loved ones lost, show their support for loved ones currently battling, and to help ensure that someday we will live in a world where no one will have to hear the words, ‘you have cancer’.”
Ellicottville’s event will feature a Bounce House for the kids, Jacob North (aka DJ Excite) spinning tunes throughout the day, a live band (yet to be announced) playing from 4-6pm, and plenty of food. Fundraising teams do everything from selling deep fried Oreos and chocolate covered strawberries to an amazing chicken BBQ.
Crystal Page says that she is really looking forward to seeing all the new faces at Relay this year, as well as the veteran Relay participants. “It’s always nice to see more and more survivors at Relay because that means the research is working and we are creating a world with more birthdays.”
Relay teams in this area are already working on fundraising. On May 4, one team in particular will be hosting a Kentucky Derby Party at The Barn Restaurant in Ellicottville, where there will be a basket raffle and plenty of prizes and fun. Another team is planning a fundraising event on Sunday, May 26 at the Little Valley Speedway. It’s the Season Opener and “Race For Relay,” which will no doubt produce plenty of excitement. If you’re in the area, please stop by and show your support.
Check out www.relayforlife.org for details on Relay. While there, you can find more information on the Ellicottville event by searching for “Ellicottville, NY” in the search field.
