The American Cancer Society, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization, will hold its first annual Downtown Akron Relay For Life event at Lock 3 on Friday, June 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Relay For Life is traditionally a 24-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches, and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on a track. The Downtown Akron Relay For Life will have the same elements only in six hours instead of 24 hours.
“Relay For Life brings communities together,” said Ashley Smas, American Cancer Society staff partner. “Having a Relay For Life event in downtown Akron gives employers, employees, and the community the opportunity to support the fight against during their work day.”
The monies raised from this event will go toward the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy, and patient service programs.
One of the highlights of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony, which begins at 3:30 p.m. During the event, people may purchase a luminaria pinwheel in memory or in honor of someone who has been touched by cancer. The luminaria pinwheels will be placed around Lock 3 park and read during a memorial program.
“I encourage everyone to come out to the event to cheer on cancer survivors during the Opening Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and to remember everyone touched by cancer during the Luminaria Ceremony at 3:30p.m.,” added Smas, “We invite all local cancer survivors, family and friends to attend.”
For more information and a complete schedule of events during the Relay, visit www.relayforlife.org/downtownakron or call 888-227-6446 ext. 2209. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
