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Relay for Life set for this evening in Atlantic

News

June 20th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

The 16th Annual Cass County Relay for Life is set to get underway this evening on the grounds of the Atlantic High School. The event is held each year as a celebration of life in support, and in memory of, those whose lives have been touched by cancer. It features entertainment, music, food and family fun. Joyce Wieser and Jenny Williams are the Co-Chairs of the Survivor’s portion of the Relay.

Wieser says HIPPA confidentiality and Privacy rules makes it hard to get the names of cancer survivors, which is why it’s important for family and friends of cancer survivors to let them know about the event, which all survivors are welcome and invited to attend. Wieser says survivors don’t need to worry about registering in advance in order to take part in the activities.

She says you can “Just show up.” Register at the high school beginning at 4:30 during the “Survivor’s Social” in the high school, featuring a free meal for all cancer survivors and one guest, courtesy the Atlantic Hy-Vee. You’ll also get a purple event t-shirt. Then at 6-p.m., cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to partake in a “Survivors Lap.” The Survivor’s Lap features several “Honorary” Survivors each year, and this year is no exception. There are four individuals from Cass County who were selected at random to take the banner and lead-off the lap.

During the Relay for Life itself, teams of eight to 15-people will walk, jog or run in a relay around the High School track. They have been working to raise money through donations to help in the fight against cancer. Funds raised enable the American Cancer Society to continue its program of research, education, advocacy and service to cancer patients.

Entertainment during the evening includes Salute Gymnastics, games for kids by the Atlantic National Honor Society, a “Smart Shop” from 5:30-to 8:30-p.m., along with free door prizes and food samples. There are also performances by Dance Atlantic, vocalist Betty Lillard, and vocalist Jeremy Faga and his acoustic guitar.

A highlight of the event is a Luminary Ceremony, which begins at 9-p.m., with music to walk by at 10-p.m.