Relay for Life begins Saturday at SIUC

Approximately 45 University-affiliated teams are among those scheduled to compete in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, which starts Saturday at McAndrew Stadium. This is the 15th year for the event here.

The theme for this year's event is "Once Upon a Cure."

About 60 teams from throughout Carbondale are currently scheduled to compete in the Jackson County-Carbondale event. The relay starts with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and teams will have members participating through 6 a.m. Sunday, April 27. The goal is to raise $80,000.

The doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday, and anyone who is a cancer survivor is encouraged to come and kick off the event. The luminaria ceremony, featuring approximately 1,700 lighted bags around the track, is scheduled for 9 p.m.

There are many opportunities to cheer and support the participants, or to be involved. In addition to the relay activities, a concession stand is available. There also will be numerous free activities for children. A silent auction featuring themed gift baskets from all participating teams is also scheduled.

During the early morning on Sunday, themed laps and games are available to keep even the sleepiest person awake and full of energy. The hourly themes include: "Quest Hour," "Hero Hour," Villain Hour," and "Overcoming Obstacles." A detailed list of event activities is available here.

Persons interested in organizing a team can sign up prior to the event. For more information, call Ashley Nauman at 309/231-9010. The team registration fee is $100.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service

For additional information, contact the American Cancer Society's Southern Region office in Marion at 618/998-9898.