Euclid Relay For Life Reaches Goal
The American Cancer Society uses the tagline, “It’s about a community coming together in the fight against cancer,” to describe local Relay For Life events. On Friday, May 20th, the Relay For Life of Euclid showed us what that truly means.
Relay For Life of Euclid set a goal to raise $44,000 this year for research, programs, and services through the American Cancer Society. At 11:45pm at the close of the event, the community had managed to raise $43,602.96 - $397.04 short of the $44,000 goal. It was at this point that team members, participants, and anyone left around the track turned their pockets inside out until enough money was collected to confidently say, “We reached our goal!”
The sense of excitement and community celebration was present throughout the entire event, but it was especially prominent during opening ceremonies. Local cancer survivors were welcomed to the microphone to share their stories of HOPE. Many people participating in Relay For Life events have experienced a loss related to cancer so we asked cancer survivors to tell everyone what cancer could not take from them. Reponses ranged from, “cancer can’t make me miss my son getting married,” to, “cancer will never take my faith,” to, “cancer can’t keep me from celebrating another birthday,” and many more. Euclid cancer survivors were proud to share these stories and their community was proud to cheer them on as they took the opening lap around the track.
After the survivors and caregivers took the opening lap, the event was in full swing! There were themed laps where teams could showcase their team spirit, entertainment to enjoy, and activities for everyone of all ages. Relay For Life is free and open to the public, but teams do request donations for their fundraisers and activities. All of this money contributes to the overall event goal and funding the mission of the American Cancer Society.
Relay For Life is a year-round effort in this community and we are grateful for all of the support we receive from businesses, churches, schools, and families in the area. If you would like to join us in the fight against cancer by making a donation, getting involved, or helping us plan the event for 2017, please visit RelayForLife.org/Euclid.
Rachel McKelvey
HI! My name is Rachel McKelvey and I work with the passionate, dedicated, and AMAZING volunteers with the Relay For Life of Euclid! I have enjoyed my time working in this city with this event and also being a member of the Euclid Chamber of Commerce. I have met some great people in this city and I am absolutely blown away by the effort and support the give to the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.