• 2010 Relay For Life of Gulf Beaches, FL

  Written by Connie Langhorst 1 Comment
  Last Updated: February 11, 2010

  The 2010 Relay For Life of Gulf Beaches, FL is scheduled to take pace at the Bilmar Beach Resort on Treasure Island Beach on April 16 and 17 . . . and NOW is the time to sign up and get involved!

  It seems that everyone knows someone, whether a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, who has been impacted by cancer.  The Relay For Life events, which are hosted and held throughout Pinellas County, are a great way to celebrate survivors, remember and honor those who have been touched by cancer, and to fight back through fundraising (or, as I like to refer to it, friendraising).

  The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in our community, and in communities around the globe, a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, to remember lost loved ones, and to fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events and 18 hours in length.

  Having lost my neice, Julie, to cancer (at the age of 21), I was proud to be invited to serve as co-chair for the first-ever South Gulf Beaches Relay For Life, which took place at Stetson College of Law in Gulfport, FL.   Now an annual activity, Relay For Life events are hosted throughout Pinellas County, which demonstrates our care and concern for the communities in which we live and work–and for each other.

  While every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

  Celebrate – The Survivors Lap
  Relay starts with a Survivors Lap, an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays–like those of each individual on the track.

  Remember – The Luminaria Ceremony
  After dark, people who have been touched by cancer and loved ones who have been lost to the disease are honored and remembered during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each bears the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

  Fight Back – Fight Back Through Fundraising
  There is a chance to fight back against cancer through fundraising.  In addition to what the fundraising teams do before the Relay, there are endless fundraising opportunities onsite.  From food, face painters, crafts and more, Relay teams have plenty of ways for participants and visitors to support the fight against cancer.

  No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.  You can make a difference by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.

  Thanks to Relay participants, the American Cancer Society is helping create a world with more birthdays . . . a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.

  Survivors are the reason we Relay.  They make up a group of nearly 11 million strong who are finding their way through the cancer experience and fighting back against the disease. At Relay For Life, Survivors are always the guests of honor.

  The Luminaria Ceremony is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle. This is one of the most moving parts of the event that you will not want to miss. Honor or remember someone at Relay For Life with a luminaria.

  Just another special way that we care and share . . . in Paradise Found! 

  Visit the 2010 Relay For Life of Gulf Beaches, FL website to learn more, to donate, or to sign up to participate. 

  To register your team or to participate in the survivor activities, visit www.relayforlife.org/gulfbeachesfl. 

  Or, for more information, contact Nancy Williamson, Team Development Chair, at 727-581-9644 or ACS Community Representative, Christine Hartman, at christine.hartman@cancer.org or 727-812-7026. 

  CREDITS:  Relay For Life Logo courtesy of the American Cancer Society and ACS Relay For Life.  Event photos (from 2004 South Gulf Beaches Relay For Life) courtesy of yours truly. 

1 Comment

1. #1 Charlene Rubush says:
   May 18th, 2012 at 6:56 pm

   Thanks, Connie, for another great article. It’s inspiring to see the spirit that accompanies these events. It’s so important to keep the message out there, and of course, to raise money for research, and all the other ways communities can help.

   Reply