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RELAY FACTS !
Join us in the fight against cancer !
WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?
Relay For Life (RFL) is an annual event that provides many opportunities for communities to learn more about cancer. It brings cancer survivors together to celebrate their survival, helps families and friends remember those who have not survived, and raises money for cancer research, prevention, early detection, education, and patient services.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Relay For Life is a community activity, not an athletic event, so anyone and everyone can participate. It’s a team event in which teams of 10-15 people representing various local businesses, civic groups, social organizations, schools, church groups and families compete against each other to raise the most money. This is an all night event and teams camp out at this year at Rio Rancho High School (corner of Loma Colorado and Broadmoor) and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team member is asked to raise a specific amount of money prior to the event. Incentive prizes are offered for those raising the most money. While the Relay is in progress, a community party atmosphere is created in a ‘tent city’ with entertainment, food, games and camaraderie. There is a campsite contest, pizza party and other fun activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the event.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?
Cancer survivors kick off the Relay with a Survivors Lap. After sundown, a Luminaria Ceremony is held in which candles are lit in decorated bags to honor those that have survived cancer and memorialize those who have lost their battle to cancer. A moment of silence and special music will conclude this Ceremony. The Relay closes the next day with a Victory Lap for all participants.
HOW IS CANCER AWARENESS RAISED?
The American Cancer Society provides information about the latest research and cancer control activities, patient service programs, and other local events. Cancer survivors remind everyone that cancer is not always a death sentence; their testimonies provide a way for the public to become aware of the strength and courage that cancer patients have.
HOW SUCCESSFUL IS IT?
Many cancer patients and their families in the Rio Rancho community receive programs and services as a direct result of funds raised through Relay For Life. Some of these services include early detection and prevention education, transportation to and from medical treatment, patient-to-patient visitation, breast prostheses, wigs and medical equipment. This is our 8th annual event in Rio Rancho.
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