Relay for Life at Moody Gardens April 24th

Walkers will go around the clock in a 12 hour fight against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Galveston at Moody Gardens on April 24 at 6 p.m. This celebration of life, hope and survival brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together in an effort to fight back. Galvestonians are welcome to attend an informative Relay For Life Pep Rally March 10 at 6 p.m. at Mario’s on the Seawall to learn how to form teams, raise money and participate in the fight against cancer.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life offers an opportunity for survivors, current cancer patients, friends, family, or anyone really, to come together in the fight against cancer,” said Lisa Velasquez, event chair. “Many of the participants, including myself, are cancer survivors who serve as reminders that our community is not immune to this disease and we can actually help our friends, families and neighbors who have been touched by cancer.”

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a family-oriented team event where participants can walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track. Teams can include coworkers, club members, family and friends who have gathered donations prior to the event.

The 12 hour Relay For Life event begins as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) and caregivers walk or use a wheelchair to complete the first lap. A festive atmosphere then develops around the track as walkers make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins. Highlighting the evening is the luminaria ceremony that takes place after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those lost to the disease.

Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” said Velasquez. “Many of the participants will be people who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment.”

Information about how to form a team or become involved in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is available at www.relaygalveston.com or by calling the local event chair, Lisa Velasquez at 409-497-2034 or emailing her at relaylisa@gmail.com.

For more information about cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour help-line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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.