From Danville Regional Health System
Better Health Magazine Archives

While most people are sleeping during the wee morning hours of June 3, hundreds of community members will be making laps around the football field at J.M. Langston Focus Center as part of a unique, 24-hour relay designed to raise funds for cancer research.

The event is called Relay for Life, and 2000 marks the third year the event has been held in Danville. "Danville Regional Health System helped bring Relay for Life to the community in 1998," said Kay Crane, Community and Media Relations Coordinator. "The first year, we went for 12 hours and raised $25,000. Last year, we walked for 18 hours and raised over $70,000. This year, we're going to go for 24 hours straight, and we hope to raise $100,000 for the American Cancer Society."

3rd Annual Relay for Life June 2 & 3, 2000 J.M.Langston Focus Center Football Field. Setup begins at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Survivor Lap begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Luminary Ceremony begins at 9:00 on Friday. Relay for Life concludes at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Prior to the event, teams of 8 - 15 people from around the community will solicit pledges totaling $50 or more per team member. Then, the teams will gather at the field on June 2 to begin the relay. Each team is required to have a member on the track at all times during the 24-hour period.

Crane is quick to point out that Relay for Life is much more than a fundraiser. "It's really a celebration for survivors - and an opportunity for us all to honor loved ones who have not survived cancer." In fact, the event begins with a survivor lap around the track, followed later in the evening by a luminary service of remembrance.

"We will offer many activities during the relay for community members and team members alike," said Crane. "There will be a lot to see and do, and we invite everyone in the community to come participate and help cheer on the walkers. This is a great opportunity to join in - and contribute to - the fight against cancer."

For more information, or to register a team for the event, call Wanda McCullough, Committee Chair, at (434) 83600577, or call the Health Referral Service at (434) 799-WELL or toll-free at 1-877-799-WELL.