Relay for Life event set for Aug. 12-13
Cancer survivors, their friends and family are invited to attend this year’s Fayette County Relay for Life, a team event meant to raise money to combat cancer and raise awareness of the disease, starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Laurel Highlands High School in Uniontown. The event begins with a Survivors Lap at 6 p.m. followed by a reception with refreshments, short talks and presentations. There is no fee to participate, but survivors are asked to call ahead toll-free at 1-888-227-5445 to pre-register.
“Each cancer survivor will receive a free T-shirt to wear while walking the track on the athletic field, and we want to make sure we have the right size to fit them,” said Mary Jane Peglow, community income development specialist for the American Cancer Society’s Fayette, Greene and Washington units.
At 9 that evening, a luminary ceremony will feature lighted candles in brown paper bags in honor and memory of loved ones lost to or afflicted by cancer. The luminarias will line the track and also be placed in the bleachers to spell out the word “Hope.”
“It’s a very beautiful ceremony, and everyone in attendance is invited to walk the track to the accompaniment of music appropriate for the occasion,” said Peglow.
Later in the evening, a fireworks display will fill the skies above the stadium, and throughout the night, various teams will walk the track.
A sunrise service will begin at dawn on Sunday, Aug. 13, followed by the Torch of Hope Run at 10 a.m., featuring various high school track teams and the River Valley ABATE motorcycle group. At 2 p.m., a Caregivers Lap composed of the loved ones of cancer survivors, nurses and medical staff will circle the athletic field.
Also in the afternoon, the Great Road to Recovery Race will feature team members who’ll have made a car out of cardboard and race around the track, symbolic of Road to Recovery Transportation Program volunteers taking cancer patients for treatment.
Throughout the day, organizers will stage different games and activities, including a Chinese auction. Food also will be served at the concession stands. The Relay for Life will conclude at 3:30 p.m. with every team member, survivor, volunteer and caregiver walking the track.
“Last year, we had 50 teams of between 10 and 15 people participate, along with 200 survivors and lots of their friends and relatives,” said Peglow. “Overall, more than 1,000 people attended the event and we’re hoping for the same or better attendance this year.”
For more information, call 1-888-227-5445 or visit online at www.acsevents.org/relay/laurelhighlands.