The American Cancer Society (ACS) is asking community members to be part of the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event to save lives from cancer, by participating in the annual Relay For Life of Merrill on Friday, Aug. 7 through Saturday morning, August 8, at the Merrill Festival Grounds.
The Relay For Life movement unites 2.5 million participants globally to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Kathy Liberty, event lead for the Relay For Life event is looking forward to this year’s event.
“This year our theme is ‘Join the Fight-One Step at a Time’. Each participant and donor to our event brings support to those who are battling cancer or supporting a loved one with cancer,” Liberty explains.
“While we always remember those who have been lost to this disease, Relay for Life is a celebration of life and a way to make a difference to many in our community and beyond. This celebration is further exemplified in our amazing Celebration Fireworks show following the Luminaria Ceremony”. Liberty adds.
“You do not have to be experiencing cancer personally to participate, you simply need to want to see cancer be something we can treat, cure, or prevent. We know everyone wants that.”
The name Relay For Life, implies you must be a walker to participate.
“While that was how Relay started, it has evolved into many things in the thousands of events that take place each year,” Liberty said.
“The Merrill event features indoor and outside activities, including things for the kids to do. We are working on a petting zoo, barrel rides behind the tractor for the kids, a dunk tank with local ‘celebrities’, delicious food and beverages, drawings, bingo, ceremonial laps, luminaria ceremony and more. The Celebration Fireworks display donated and executed by ARF Pyro Professional Displays and the Woller family, rivals many July 4 th shows and we look forward to the community joining us in the Festival Grounds grandstand for the outstanding display!”
Teams can be formed by families, friends, co-workers, clubs, school students/teams, churches or any other group that wants to get together in support of the American Cancer Society’s mission of work.
You do not have to be on a team to participate, individuals are welcome!
Monthly meetings to plan the event and share ideas are held at the Eagles Club starting at 6 p.m., everyone is welcome. Meetings will be on Feb. 13, April 14, May 14, June 11 and July 9.
Interested community members are welcome to join the Kickoff Celebration to be held on March 12 at the Eagles Club starting at 6pm. Information on the plans for the event along with information about the mission of the American Cancer Society will be available.
Please RSVP to Kathy Liberty at [email protected] or (715) 617.8678. Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, Relay For Life events around the world have raised nearly $6.5 billion to help ACS attack cancer. Funds raised help ACS fund and conduct breakthrough research, and give cancer patients and their families the resources they need; like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support.
Last year’s Relay For Life of Merrill raised nearly $60,000 to help ACS fight cancer on every front.
Fundraising is done year around, with the event being a celebration and recognition of life.
‘“We have seen how cancer has affected members of our community, and our work to help those facing the challenge through the services provided by ACS, help to make their journey easier,” Kathy Liberty adds.
“Our goal is to keep fighting along with them until no one hears the words, ‘You have cancer’. Our volunteers for this event sincerely appreciate the support of our community members, businesses and organizations, as we unite in this common goal.”
Visit the event’s website at www.relayforlife.org/merrillwi to donate, register or for additional information.