The prevalence of cancer continues to impact millions of Americans as it is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., after heart disease. The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay For Life of Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate, and Coconut Creek encourages communities to come together and participate in a movement to honor and remember loved ones and work towards supporting the fight against this disease. The event will occur from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at the Coral Springs Sportsplex, 2800 Sportsplex Dr.
Relay For Life involves a community of survivors, caregivers, local citizens, volunteers, and participants who all believe that a cancer-free future is achievable and that they can bring about that change. As the most prominent peer-to-peer fundraising event, Relay For Life brings together 2.5 million participants worldwide who are united in their efforts to save lives from cancer.
“Relay For Life is more than just a walk,” Chris Fletcher says, the event lead and cancer survivor. “It is a volunteer-led movement that unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.”
The American Cancer Society’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support. Its ultimate aim is to allow every individual to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
“Since Covid, our mission has become harder,” Fletcher says, who fought Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2019. “But we’ll rise to the challenge. During our Relay event on April 6 at the Coral Springs Sportsplex, we’re planning on honoring the survivors, thrivers still in their fight, and the caregivers who provide so much help, love, and hope for those fighting.”
Relay For Life was established by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington in 1985, and it has brought together communities from all around the world to acknowledge those affected by cancer, commemorate those who have lost their lives, and take action for positive change. Since its inception, the organization has raised $6.8 billion to support cancer patients and save lives. Every year, Relay participants across the country contribute to the American Cancer Society’s mission in various ways, such as funding and conducting cutting-edge research, providing education, advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and offering essential services throughout their journey. Survivor Program Chair Amanda Fletcher has emphasized that it has never been easier to raise funds for Relay For Life and assist in shaping the future. Every dollar raised aids the American Cancer Society’s life-saving mission, and the fight against cancer needs our support more than ever.
“Our theme this year is ‘Relay Through the Decades,’” said Entertainment Lead Megan Mila. “More than 40 teams and more than 500 participants will join together to raise funds and awareness in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer. Our goal is to host over 100 cancer survivors and their caregivers at the event. The opening ceremony will include a special Survivors Lap. Survivors, Thrivers and their Caregivers will also enjoy a complimentary dinner. After sunset, we light Luminaria bags to remember those we have lost, to celebrate cancer survivors, and to show those affected by cancer that they are not alone.”
Interested participants can join an existing team or start a new one at www.relayforlife.org/parklandfl. If they can’t participate in this year’s event, they can consider making a donation to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts in fighting cancer. Every dollar counts towards the noble cause. Sponsorships are still available for this year’s Relay for Life and the Swing Fore a Cure charity golf tournament on May 4.
