Relay for Life celebrates survivors, raises money

SIKESTON, Mo. -- When it comes right down to it, a Relay for Life is all about those who have battled cancer.

So this year, the Scott County Relay for Life will put an extra emphasis on cancer survivors, as well as their caregivers, during the event Friday and Saturday.

"We are really pushing honoring the survivors and caregivers that are present this year," said Sarah Ezell, community manager of development for the American Cancer Society.

"So we want to be sure they all come, because there will be lots of celebrations for them."

Brandy Mason, chairwoman of the event, said that in an effort to involve the survivors, they will vote for some of the awards, including best campsite and best banner.

The Relay will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and end at 6 a.m. Saturday at the YMCA's North Field.

For those who aren't familiar with relay, Ezell said she encourages onlookers come when the relay begins, as the survivor's lap, caregiver's lap and team lap kick things off.

"That's when you really understand what Relay is all about," she said. "All the while, you're having a good time, playing games and eating good food."

But for those who are unable to make it out then, Ezell said there will be plenty of activities and people on hand through the night.

Other events include a silent auction and a live auction that will begin at 7 p.m. There will be concessions, games and more, put on by relay teams in an effort to reach their fundraising goals.

The luminaria ceremony, set to begin around 9 p.m., is what Mason finds the most touching.

"During that, we honor those who have fought the battle and won, and also those who have lost," Mason said. "It's always moving."

The luminaria ceremony also helps others in need. Canned goods are used to keep the bags in place, and they will then be donated to flood victims in the area.

"We should have at least 800 cans to donate, if not more," Ezell said.

Canned good donations are being accepted and may be dropped off through Wednesday at the American Cancer Society office, the Southeast Missouri State-Sikeston day care, First Midwest Bank in Sikeston and the Sonic locations in Sikeston.

"Even though we know this has been a difficult time for our communities, we wanted to be able to give back also," Mason said.

For that reason, they are inviting survivors or others from places like Stoddard County, where this year's Relay was canceled due to the flooding, to take part in the Scott County event.

Following the luminaria ceremony, the fight back ceremony -- in which participants pledge to take action and spread awareness of cancer research, treatments and prevention -- will be held around 10 p.m.

"That is going to be incredibly awesome this year," Mason said.

Ezell agreed, noting it's another way to celebrate the survivors at the relay.

Throughout the night, there will be several games and activities for children.

"This gives them an opportunity to learn what Relay for Life is all about," Mason said. "And hopefully, it will instill in them a passion and teach them at an early age that they can make a difference."

Over the past months, 29 teams have worked to help the relay reach its $103,000 goal, the largest ever in Scott County.

"And so far, we're doing great," Ezell said.

As of last week, about $66,000 had been raised and after the official bank night Monday, organizers have high hopes they'll have hit the $80,000 mark.

Mason said she urges any and everyone to come out to some relay events.

"I think that sometimes in the midst of their battles -- as the months and years go by -- [cancer patients and survivors] lose sight that there are a lot of people who want to help them," she said. "Even though we may not personally understand their struggle, we want to give where we can give, and help make it an easier process for them."

For more information, contact the American Cancer Society, 573-471-1823.