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Why is Relay for Life an 18-hour team event?
Because families and friends, not individuals, fight cancer together, Relay is a team event. During the 18 hours of Relay, one member of the team must be circling the track at all times. The format of the event, therefore, is unique in that it parallels the successful fight of a cancer survivor and his/her family and friends.
The Relay begins with an exciting ceremonial lap. The anticipation of the weekend and the completion of a successful day at home or work set a comforting tone, similar to the stable, happy life of a pre-cancer patient. As the sun sets, the diagnosis of cancer is made. The darkness brings about the emotions of fear and uncertainty about the future. Walking the track becomes more difficult without the aid of light. At 9:30p.m., a candle lighting ceremony is held to honor and remember past, current, and future "warriors" against cancer. The word may be "HOPE" spelled out in candlelight in the bleachers. This is symbolic of the cancer patient's everlasting hope for recovery and the human race's hope for a cure for this devastating illness.
Throughout the night, the ups and downs of the battle with cancer are experienced. A pizza run at midnight brings excitement and full tummies, but the chill of the 3am hour reminds us of the physical ailments and emotional deterioration of those battling cancer. New friends are made and late-night Frisbees fly across the infield, but your turn on the track reminds you of a cancer patient's long journey through treatment.
As the Saturday sun begins to rise and people awake, a new sense of hope and energy can be felt as breakfast is waiting and people are anxious for the activities of the day and their turn on the track. The cancer patient sees the light at the end of the tunnel and knows that his perseverance through the night has not been vain. As the day moves forward, the fun is aplenty, with water balloons, bands, and even a massage therapist, but the exhaustive fatigue of exercise, anxiety, and lack of sleep begins to take its toll. It is at this time that the cancer patient relies on emotional "inner strength" rather than physical strength to continue circling the track on the road to recovery. The support of team members becomes critical as the day wanes. The team presses onward to complete the remaining hours, and finally, the event comes to a close with the celebration ceremony. The track is cleared, prizes are awarded, and people head for home, taking with them the experiences of the journey, while looking forward to a good night's sleep. The triumphant cancer patient also looks forward - to the gift of continued life.
Surely you can give 18 hours of your life