During this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life event in Anderson County, participants will have the chance to remember loved ones and honor those battling cancer with a special luminaria ceremony. This moving ceremony will be held at 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Melton Lake Park in Oak Ridge as hundreds of these beacons of hope are illuminated, a press release said.
“Each luminaria represents the love that families and friends have for a survivor who has won the battle against cancer, for the memory of someone who lost the fight, or as a symbol of hope for those who are currently battling cancer,” the press release said.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life began in 1985, and it remains a celebration of survivorship and remembrance that raises funds for and awareness of the fight against cancer.
“The Relay’s luminaria ceremony symbolizes the hope and courage with which we continue to work toward a cure for this deadly disease,” the press release said.
After sunset at each of the more than 5,000 Relay For Life events nationwide, luminaria decorated with the names of those who have battled cancer are lit and left glowing throughout the night to remind everyone of the incredible importance of their contributions, the release said.
Luminaria can be purchased for a minimum donation of $5. Forms are available from any team participating in Relay For Life. Several area business and church teams will have forms available, including Clinton Physical Therapy Center, Y12 Federal Credit Union across from Anderson County High School or in Oak Ridge, First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, St. Mark United Methodist Church in Clinton, and Oak Ridge Veterinary. Luminarias can also be purchased the day of the event or online at www.relayforlife.org/andersontn. For further information, please contact Kelly Lenz at (865) 457-1649 or cptcklenz@aol.com.
For more information about Relay For Life or cancer, please contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org. Or visit the Relay For Life website at relayforlife.org/eastanderson.tn. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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