Relay for Life, as well as Making Strides, are two primary community fundraising opportunities under the American Cancer Society. A volunteer-led experience, Relay for Life has been held in local towns such as Scarborough and South Portland and will make its return to Gorham this year.
On Friday April 5, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., community members are invited to the USM-Gorham Costello Sports Complex for an evening of remembrance and celebration. This event not only fundraises money for the American Cancer Society, but also acts as an opportunity to bring together survivors, caregivers, supporters, sponsors, donors, and more. The funds raised at this event and similar ones are spent improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through medical research, support, and advocacy.
Beginning at 6 p.m., this event will feature an Opening Ceremony as well as a First Lap Walk dedicated to cancer survivors and caregivers. The following hours will be spent walking the track, as Dr. Gordon Klatt originally did back in May of 1985. He was the first to walk around a track for 24 hours straight, with the sole purpose of raising money for the American Cancer Society. He walked over 83.6 miles and raised upwards of $27,000, and that’s where the Relay for Life event began.
In addition to the introduction activities and walking on April 5, there will be drawings to enter and games to play. The signature Luminaria Remembrance Ceremony will commence at 9 p.m., where hundreds of little bags with candles will line the track. This tradition is dedicated to remembering lost loved ones.
The Relay for Life team is also bringing in an inspirational speaker and will hold a recognition activity later in the evening. As always, the night will end with a Silent Lap to honor those who have lost their lives to cancer, those who are living with cancer, and those who are now cancer free.
Consider joining the Relay for Life team on April 5. It’s more than just a fundraising walk— it’s an opportunity to come together to support all those affected by cancer and to finally put an end to it. For more information, you can visit the event website at www.relayforlife.org/southernmaine.