Relay for Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. This fundraising group of volunteers is in communities big and small throughout the United States and extends into 27 countries. The purpose of this group is to remember loved ones lost, honor survivors of all cancers, and of course to raise money to fight the battle against cancer.
Last Saturday Team Fulda held their second annual “Table Cancer” event at the Fulda Community Center. It was a success even though they had to postpone it one week due to an April blizzard. Eight tables were decorated and displayed for all to enjoy seeing before the meal began. Two other tables had to cancel because of the postponement.
The highlight of this event is the previewing of the decorated tables. Any theme can be used, simple, elegant, or unique, and they each have a story to tell. Tables decorated do not have to be centered around cancer, as other themes can be used also. Included in this two hour event were nine “baskets” or donated items that were raffled off by selling one dollar tickets to those interested.
Men, women and families are all encouraged to attend. The intention is to have the third table event in 2019, and if you are interested in participating please contact any member of the Fulda Team. Next year they are going to change it a little bit and offer tables of four or six. However, if you set a table for eight, the host or hostess will receive one free ticket to attend. Tickets are sold for fifteen dollars per person for the meal.
If you decide to provide a table, there are many ways you can go about it. This year some families hosted, others were friends, and some group organizations came together and provided a theme and a table to view in the event. The main idea, of course, is to participate in some way and come together as a community to raise the money needed to help the cause against this terrible disease.
Please watch the newspapers for the annual Relay for Life ceremonies that are held each year in Murray County and surrounding areas. If you have never attended one, they are energizing, productive, and life changing to be a part of. All of them are a little bit different, but have some basic common events within the evening. They are usually held in a place with a track for walking or somewhere that a path can be constructed for the same purpose. Murray County holds their event at the fairgrounds in Slayton. Anyone is welcome, young or old. Focus is especially placed on cancer survivors, caregivers, those who have been affected by cancer in their families, and that probably includes most of us. The following agenda loosely describes a Relay for Life event:
1. Relay participants (everyone attending) are welcomed.
2. Survivor Lap begins…where people currently affected by cancer and survivors walk around the track or path, cheered on by others attending.
3. Caregiver Lap…this walk is held to recognized those who provide support to those who suffer with the disease.
4. Next, the Relay Teams pour onto the track or path to begin the evening’s celebration.
5. Team members take turns walking during the night to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer.
6. There are games, food, and entertainment offered throughout the event to enjoy when you are not out walking on the track or path.
7. Ceremonies are 6-24 hours in length. Darkness symbolizes fear that the patients feel. Luminarias are lit after sunset to line the tracks or paths.
This beautiful sight of the luminarias is very touching and meaningful. They are part of the ceremony for three reasons:
To remember the lost
To celebrate the survivors
To show those affected by cancer that they are not alone
The team of volunteers in Fulda are always looking for others who might be interested in helping with the Relay for Life events. No matter if you can give a little time or much, everyone is welcome. Please contact Kim Kremer or others on the team if you are interested in helping or joining with them in this worthy cause.
lbeerman68@gmail.com
