The Relay for Life is a national relay event started by the American Cancer Society. In 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, Washington raised $27,000 for the fight against cancer by walking and running for 24 hours around a track. Today, the relay consists of camping out overnight in a family-friendly environment as team members take turns walking a course or track. It is not just a one time a year event in one location, but an initiative to create many events in communities around the country to raise funds to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against cancer.
Monarch High School will be the location of Relay for Life for its 11th year; which also marks the 3rd year in a row of the cities of Margate and Coconut Creek participating together in this event. This year’s theme is “Around the World,” representing how Coconut Creek is a city of many cultures, but of one people unified in one cause. There will be food, games and entertainment throughout the event that starts on April 4 at 6 p.m. and will run through the night and into the day of April 5.
The Relay will include a Survivors’ Lap for all cancer survivors who will take the very first lap around the track while everyone cheers them on. The Relay is also highlighted by an inspirational “Fight Back Ceremony” to help the community make an emotional and year-round commitment to fight cancer. Just after dark there will be a luminaria ceremony to remember those lost to the disease, support those who fight on including their family and friends, and honor those who fought in the past.
Either join with a team to participate in the event, donate funds or volunteer your time, or become a sponsor of this cause. Join Coconut Creek and Margate in the Relay for Life this April and help continue the fight against cancer. To participate, contact Pamela Griffin at pamela.griffin@browardschools.com. For more information, contact Audrey Campbell at the American Cancer Society by email at audrey.campbell@cancer.org.
Relay For Life
Coconut Creek/Margate
April 4 & 5 at 6 p.m.
Monarch High School
5050 Wiles Rd., Coconut Creek
