By Sharon Aron Baron
The American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life event in the Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate, and Coconut Creek areas invites the community to participate in the movement to honor and remember loved ones and fight for lifesaving change.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Coral Springs Sportsplex.
This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, making it the second leading cause of death in the US after heart disease.
Relay For Life is a community of survivors, caregivers, local citizens, volunteers, and participants who believe that the future can be free from cancer and that they have the power to make that change. It is currently the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event, with 2.5 million participants worldwide who come together to save lives from cancer.
“Relay For Life is more than just a walk,” said event lead and cancer survivor Chris Fletcher. “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 mission of the American Cancer Society is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient support.
“Since Covid, our mission has become harder,” explains Chris, who fought Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2019. “But we’ll rise to the challenge.”
Megan Mila, entertainment lead, shared that this year’s theme is ‘Relay Through the Decades where more than 40 teams and more than 500 participants will join together to raise funds and awareness 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,” said Mila. “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.”
Relay For Life of Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate, and Coconut Creek
April 6, 2024, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Coral Springs Sportsplex
2800 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs, FL
Relayforlife.org/parklandfl
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, Relay For Life unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Since 1985, Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion to help save lives from cancer.
Dollars raised each year by Relay participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways, including funding and conducting breakthrough research, providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.
“It’s never been easier to raise money for Relay For Life and help fund the future. Every dollar raised fuels the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. The fight against cancer needs you now more than ever,” said Amanda Fletcher, survivor program chair.
There are many ways to get involved.
- Join the Relay For Life of Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, and Margate – Sign up to join an existing team or start a new team at www.relayforlife.org/parklandfl
- Donate – If you can’t participate in this year’s event, donating can still help save lives. Every dollar fuels the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Visit www.RelayForLIfe.org/parklandfl to donate today.
This year’s Relay and Swing Fore a Cure charity golf tournament sponsors include Memorial Cancer Institute, Gunther Motor Company, Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, AutoNation, Burie Group at Morgan Stanley, Senior Strategic Planning, Iguana Control, VYVE, North Broward Preparatory School and School of Rock Broward County, among others.
To learn more about Relay For Life and form a team or register as an individual or cancer survivor, visit Relayforlife.org/parklandfl.
Don’t miss the ‘Swing Fore A Cure Golf Tournament,’ benefitting the American Cancer Society, on Saturday, May 4, at the Country Club of Coral Springs at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play or become a sponsor at swingforeacure.com.
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