Reminder: Walkers to go around the clock in Edmonds June 9 to battle cancer

The 13th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of South Snohomish County gets underway with teams of residents gathering at Edmonds-Woodway High School Track at noon Saturday, June 9.

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay.

Since Relay For Life is the final culmination of everyone’s fundraising efforts, it is a 21-hour celebration for event participants and community residents. The event begins at noon June 9 and Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling will speak at the opening ceremony. The event goes until 9 a.m. June 10, and is open to the public from noon to 11 p.m. on June 9. The cancer survivor lap, for all types of cancer survivors, begins at 12:30 p.m. and the rest of the day includes fun activities such as yoga, Zumba, outdoor movies, music, hourly themed laps and costume contests.

Registration is free for cancer survivors, $10.00 for individual walkers, and $100.00 for a team of up to 15 members. Please register at www.relayforlife.org/southsnohomishwa.

“Relay is a unique opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against the disease,” said Kim Verver, 2012 Relay For Life of South Snohomish County volunteer Event Chair. “Many of the participants are cancer survivors, which serves as a reminder that Snohomish County is not immune to this disease and that by participating in Relay, we are joining with the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

Last year, the Relay for Life of South Snohomish County raised nearly $120,000, which supports the Society’s research grants, advocacy efforts, and the 13 free programs and services available in Snohomish County for cancer patients and their families. These programs include access to free wigs, prosthesis, classes, rides to and from treatment, 24-hour telephone line, educational websites, and support groups.

Relay For Life’s Luminaria Ceremony, which takes place at 10 p.m. June 9, honors the community’s cancer survivors and remembering those lost to the disease. Participants will circle a track that is surrounded with glowing luminaria that bear the name of someone who has battled cancer. Luminaria may be purchased by donation by calling 425-741-8949 or by visiting www.relayforlife.org/southsnohomishwa.