Savannah R. Watts
Relay for Life returns to Watauga County for its 24th year this Friday, June 15. Starting at 6:00 p.m., Relay for Life will be held again at Watauga High School for an evening to honor and remember those who have battled or are battling cancer in their lives.
Relay for Life has been bringing people together to honor anyone who has passed, survived, or is still battling from cancer nationally since 1985. This year is its 24th year dedicated to those in Watauga County. Relay for Life is a “grass-roots, community-based team event,” states their website. Relay for Life involves masses of support from the community as teams come together to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s efforts in fighting cancer through research and treatments, as well as patient care.
On Friday, Relay for Life will start at 6:00 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony. This ceremony is to honor everyone who has been affected by cancer, as well as everyone who has contributed to the success of this year’s Relay season. Following will be the Survivor and Caregiver Walk, where cancer survivors, current battlers, and caregivers are invited to walk along the high school track to be recognized and supported by the community on their journey.
The Luminaria Ceremony will follow the Survivor and Caregiver Walk. During this portion of the event, luminaries will be lighted to represent those who passed away from cancer or are still fighting cancer today. The evening will conclude with the Close Ceremony, a time to commit to taking action and leading the fight, to celebrate the accomplishments and to focus on moving forward as a community.
Throughout the night, there will be food, activities and music as survivors, caregivers, teams and community members walk the track and honor people in their lives that have been affected by cancer. There will also be a local fundraiser on Friday night around 8:30 p.m. at Relay for Life through the Metamorphosis Team. This raffle event offers many high-value prizes, including a Made to Last Cooler, Mast General Store Gift Basket, a voucher for a stay with Linda’s High Country Rentals, gift cards from various restaurants and store and more! Other local fundraisers include the Classic Cars, Crafts and Quilt Show on June 21 at Deerfield United Methodist Church.
Watauga County teams have already raised $33,479.82 (and counting) of the $70,000 goal. Relay teams have been working together for months to raise money for the cause, hosting their own independent events and collecting donations from friends and family.
For more information about the Watauga County Relay for Life event this Friday or to donate to Watauga Relay, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY18SER?pg=entry&fr_id=88801.
You can still donate through any Watauga Relay Team. The Relay for Life event will be held at Watauga High School’s football stadium located at 300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC.
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