Relay For Life Kicks Off Friday Night At Sundling Junior High

If you or anyone you care about has ever been diagnosed with cancer, you might
think about attending the Relay for Life for Palatine, Inverness and Rolling Meadows this Friday through Saturday at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School, 1100 N. Smith Street.

Cancer survivors, their friends, family and any person who wants to support the cause can come out and participate in the event sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The opening ceremony will include a few words from local civic leaders as well as a survivor who will talk about how ACS has helped her through her diagnosis.  

The Survivor Lap will follow, and is one of the many activities that prompts reflection and even a few tears for people who have been touched by cancer.

“It can be very emotional for some of our participants; I can’t tell you how many
times during the survivor lap people break down and cry,” said Rachel Schindler, income development representative with the American Cancer Society.

Survivors are any person who has ever received a cancer diagnosis. All of the survivors in attendance will walk one lap around the school track during the Survivor Lap wearing special survivor t-shirts adorned with medals and pins to commemorate their journey.

“It’s truly a supportive lap for these individuals, they are surrounded by all of the
other people cheering and clapping and letting them know they have support from people they don't even know,” Schindler said. “It is all very touching.”

Another part of the Relay for Life includes the lighting of the Luminarias, which are white paper bags lit up by candles. They can be purchased for $10 each to honor those who are battling cancer or to remember someone who has lost their fight.

The candles will light up the event at 10 p.m.

“When the candles are lit, it is a solemn time for reflection and remembrance paying respect to the strength and dignity of those who have experienced the fight of their lives,” Schindler said.

Raffles and a bake sale will also be held, and overnight activities including youthful
games such as musical chairs and egg and spoon races will help people stay up. A DJ will play music until the morning hours.

For the relay itself, one  person from each team is asked to walk the whole night to honor the fight that never stops against cancer. Schindler said team members usually alternate to give everyone time to rest.

Closing ceremonies will be held at 5:30 a.m.

So far, 750 people are registered and it’s not too late to get involved. Relay for Life is open to the public, and individuals who don’t choose to be a part of the relay itself can come out and take part in the many planned activities.

Funds raised go directly to the American Cancer Society to support patient services, cancer research, education and prevention programs.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday June 10 and ends at 6 a.m. Saturday June 11.

To participate or to honor a loved with a Luminaria, contact the American Cancer
Society at 847-368-1166 or visit their website at www.relayforlifeprmi.com.