We'd like to invite you to help us to plan a unique event, one which many of you might already be familiar with. The Relay For Life of Vinings - Smyrna, GA is a fun and inspirational event that brings together a community to raise funds for cancer research, the development of new prevention and detection programs, to help the American Cancer Society continue to provide its expansive patient support programs and to further its advocacy efforts. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the largest cancer-fighting event in the nation, raising nearly $250 million last year alone! At the Relay For Life, we honor all those we know who have battled cancer, whether they have not survived or are bravely battling the disease.
For those of you who have not heard of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, it is an overnight event in which team members take turns walking, strolling or even running around the track at The Lovett School. People often ask why Relay For Life is held through the night. The event is held overnight to signify the fact that cancer never sleeps. If you look at the Relay For Life logo, you will see a symbol of a moon and a sun. This represents a day in the life of a cancer survivor, but not just one day. It represents the journey of a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis until the time of recovery. The overnight event has the same symbolization. The sun is up at the start of the event, it goes down for a dark period, representing the diagnosis and fight, and then rises again in the morning, providing hope and the promise of recovery.
I Relay for the many people for my mother and the many people who have loved ones battle cancer. Their battle inspired me to search for a way to give back to a wonderful organization- the American Cancer Society - that is working to one day eradicate this dreadful disease…
We want to show our support for those who live with this reality every day and every night. The event will be held at The Lovett School on Friday, May 31, 2013 (the Friday after Memorial Day and the anniversary date of the first Relay). There will be food, games and music throughout the evening and into the night to keep the energy flowing. The event kicks off at 6:00 PM. Survivors will walk around the track in the Survivor's Lap soon after that. This is a very appropriate kick off as it inspires all who are present and brings forth the faces of those who have met this dreaded disease head on. There will also be a luminaria ceremony at dusk where lighted candle bags will line the track, each one honoring or memorializing a loved one or friend who has faced cancer.
Now it's your turn to join our volunteer planning team!! Committee members are needed to fulfill many different responsibilities! We are having a special Committee Interest Meeting soon. Why not come out to our first committee meeting, taking place at 6 pm on Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 at The Lovett School. 4075 Paces Ferry Road, NW. Atlanta, GA 30327? Easy handicapped access. http://www.lovett.org/admission/finding-us.aspx Enter from the Paces Ferry Road entrance and park in front of the pond. cross the bridge and enter the main doors. Look for the elevator immediately on your right. Take it to the 4th floor.
Handicapped ramp (the bridge has steps) is to the right of the pond, and there is parking right there. Or, call Amy Haygood at 404.582.6135 to find out more and get involved.
Remember, There Is No Finish Line Until We Find A Cure!
John Mello & Susan Selman
Event Co-Chairs
http://RelayForLife.org/ViningsSmyrnaGA
http://facebook.com/RelayForLifeOfViningsSmyrnaGA
Twitter @ForBirthdays
