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While every Relay event is unique in it’s theme and events, each one features a track in the center, whether a real rubberized athletic track or a makeshift one in a large parking lot or grassy field.
Due to city and parish or county ordinances and laws, many events, though originally 18 or 24-hour events, must now end at midnight. But the meaning behind each of the hours and ceremonies stays the same. The light of day and dark of night parallel the physical and emotional states a cancer patient finds themselves in while undergoing treatment.
THE OVERNIGHT JOURNEY
Relay for Life begins during the day, when the sun is shining and energy is high. The setting sun represents when a patient is diagnosed with cancer. As the day gets darker and cooler, it represents the cancer patient’s state of mind facing the unknown journey ahead.
In the darkness of night around 1 a.m., Relay participants have been walking and active for hours now. They may feel tired and ready to go home. This represents the time when the cancer patient starts treatment. Many patients feel tired, ready to quit and go home. Just as the patient cannot give up, Relay participants push through this phase, showing unity with cancer patients around the world.
Around 5 a.m. Relayers are truly exhausted, but the end is in sight. This symbolizes the coming of the end of treatments for cancer patients. They are tired, but have hope and motivation to push through.
The sunrise represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient. They see the light and know life will go on. Relay participants feel triumphant too, knowing they have made an impact in the fight against cancer.
As participants leave Relay, it is symbolic of the cancer patient leaving their last treatment. Just as participants are tired but excited, so is that person after treatment.
At every Relay, there is no finish line. The fight continues until a cure is found.
Source: American Cancer Society
THE ESSENTIAL STEPS OF EVERY RELAY
1. Opening Ceremony: The Opening Ceremony brings everyone together for a high-energy event kickoff that celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer and reminds us all that while we are winning this battle, fighting cancer is a year-round priority.
2. Survivors Lap: Cancer survivors take the first lap around the track. Cheered on by the other participants and the sound of upbeat music, the Survivors Lap lets all survivors at the event celebrate their victory over cancer.
3. Caregivers Lap: During the Caregivers Lap, anyone who ever cared for someone with cancer walks a special lap so they can be honored. Caregivers can walk this lap with the person they helped if they are also present.
4. Opening Lap: During the Opening Lap, all Relay teams are invited to walk the track with their banners. Teams go all out to decorate and dress for their Relay’s theme. A friendly competition is often held between campsites to award the most creative.
5. Luminaria Ceremony: At the candlelight Luminaria Ceremony, loved ones lost to cancer, those who currently have cancer, and people who fought cancer in the past are honored. All power to campsites is shut off and darkness and silence blankets the event as the luminaria flames give off the only light. A powerful part of the event, it provides an opportunity for people to work through grief and find hope.
6. Individual walking: While it’s not a relay or race in the typical sense of the words, individuals “walk the track” throughout the night, playing family-friendly games at the different campsites, participating in activities and watching or listening to live entertainment.
7. The Fight Back Ceremony: Typically a closing ceremony, it celebrates all participants just accomplished together. It’s also a time to remember the lives of those lost, and to commit to continuing the fight against this disease over the next year.
