Relay for Life.

Friday night to Saturday morning is Relay for Life.
Our family is planning to go.

Relay for Life is like this marathon thing. It's at the GW track, and tons of people come. Companies and families reserve spots by the track. There's usually a stage with entertainment happening on it. There are booths all over the place. Some sell food. It lasts from 7pm on Friday to 7am on Saturday. But why do they do all of this?

Like I said, it's kinda like a marathon thing. People run (or walk) around the track for 12 hours (sometimes less) to raise money for cancer...Fail. Let me just tell you what the website says. (Note the improper citations...hah)

According to the Relay for Life's website,
"Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment."

What's it for?
"Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to:

• Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
• Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
• Fight Back. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease."

Why do people do it?

"Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing experience. At Relay, every person in the community has a chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back. And every person who participates joins others around the globe as part of this worldwide movement to end cancer.

Everyone's reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.

No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life. "

I do have to say that it is a neat experience. Two years ago, when I went for the first time, they had this candle lighting area in the center of the track. People who come bring pictures of their loved ones who have been affected by cancer, and they put the pics on these white paper bags that are there. Sometime before it gets too late in the night, there's this whole ceremony where everyone who has a bag in the lighting area gets a lit candle and they put it inside the bag. Usually they do this for those who have died because of cancer. I know it sounds weird, but really, it's heartwarming. I remember crying a lot.

I relay, not just because it's a good time of fellowship and food and memories, but because it's something bigger than me. I have had so many loved ones affected by cancer, and it does hurt. Things like this help others see hope. I know that this isn't some Christian organization where they'll be telling people that Jesus is the Healer, but I know that I'll be there to tell 'em. Our family is gonna be there. Both my grandmas had cancer, and my mom's mom passed away in 2005 because of it. Asia's family is gonna be there. Her auntie passed away from cancer two summers ago. I don't know how to end this...