The American Cancer Society Relay for Life was held on June 19-20 at the Salem High School Track.
A major nationwide cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life fights back against the disease, raises money for cancer research and cancer patients, and spreads the awareness necessary to put an end to this deadly disease. It is also a time to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, and remember loved ones lost.
In the 6 years that Relay for Life Salem has existed, it has raised over $1,000,000 to support the American Cancer Society. To commemorate this momentous milestone, The Salem Relay was inducted into the $1 Million Relay Club.
“Relay is an opportunity to not only raise money to fight and treat this disease, but to raise awareness of preventative measures, and to educate ourselves of the many resources available to us through the American Cancer Society,” says Susan Abbott, Chairperson of Salem, NH Relay for Life “The battle with this disease touches all of us, one way or another. No one is immune.”
Photo courtesy of The Eagle Tribune
Cancer survivors were invited to kick off the event, and celebrate their victory by taking a Survivors Lap around the track.
Throughout the day teams walked around the track, keeping at least one representative from each team on the track at all times during the event. The teams participated in games and chance drawings, enjoyed music and food, and tried their hand at the dunk tank.
The Luminaria Ceremony began after dark, where candles were lit around the track inside bags filled with sand. The names of those touched by cancer were on the bags, and the teams joined in a lap of silence.
The Fight Back Ceremony concluded the event, where participants made a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.
Over 1500 people attended this year’s event, and there were 84 registered teams. As of late Sunday, the Salem, NH Relay raised over $175,000 for Cancer Research and Program support.
If you were involved with this year’s Relay for Life in Salem, NH, please share your comments and thoughts!
