TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Merrill Community Relay for Life will honor cancer survivors in a Relay for Life Ceremony on the Lincoln County Courthouse lawn [1110 East Main St. in Merrill] on Friday, Aug. 5, at 6:00 p.m.
Cancer survivors are encouraged to register in advance at www.cancer.org/involved/event-search, and early registrants will receive a Survivor shirt from the American Cancer Society by mail. Other attendees are also encouraged to register as walkers, although they will not receive shirts. Survivors and attendees can also register at the actual event. The registration table will be set up at the northeast corner of the Courthouse lawn nearest to the roundabout.
Lights of Hope [solar lights] will be set up on the Courthouse lawn the night before the event and stay there commemorating the fight against cancer for the night of Aug. 5, as well.
On Aug. 5 at 6:00 p.m., there will be ceremonies to recognize and celebrate cancer survivors, to celebrate caregivers, to remember those lost to cancer and to reflect on the journeys of survivors, and to come together as a community to “fight back” against cancer.
The event will include a walk around the Courthouse square, and water and cookies will be available.
There will also be a ceremony for attendees to hang a heart on the Tree of Hope in memory of or in honor of a friend, family member, or loved one who has, or is currently, battling against cancer. The hearts will be available for purchase in advance or the evening of the event.
Merrill Community Relay for Life has set a goal to earn $30,000. Donations help fund cancer research, patient care programs, and make a difference in communities. “With every donation, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives.”