The theme and goal have been set for this year’s Marion County Relay for Life which will be held on October 22nd at the Marion County Fairgrounds.
The theme will be ‘Seasons of Hope’. The goal will be $35,000. So far $11,607 has been raised.
The Event Leadership Team wanted something to call to mind that the event has been moved from the heat of summer to more favorable weather in the fall. Organizers also note the symbolism of the ‘seasons’ that a cancer patient experiences after diagnosis. There can be a season of anger and/or denial, helplessness, and yearning for answers. That could be followed by a season of acceptance and treatment. There can be Hope in many seasons during the illness. Each cancer diagnosis is different, as is the treatment process and the patient’s reaction to it all.
Organizers would like to see 15 teams involved. There are currently ten registered. Anyone can form a team at any time.
The goal for registered survivors is 40, with 21 already registered. Survivors are reminded that this year they must register online at relayforlife.org/marion or by calling 1-800-227-2345, option 4. Survivor t-shirts will be mailed to each Survivor. It is unlikely there will be any Survivor shirts at the October 22nd event, so Survivors are urged to register now so they can receive their shirts to wear to the Relay for Life event.
Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities are asked to contact American Cancer Society Staff Partner Stephanie Smith at Stephanie.smith@cancer.org or call 1-404-653-5288. Organizers are also seeking items from businesses to go in Survivor Gift Bags. Any businesses with items to donate such as pens, note pads, non-perishable snacks, etc, also please contact Smith.
You can stay in touch with news about the Relay for Life at relayforlife.org/marionil or on the Salem or Centralia Relay for Life Facebook pages.
