Home Helpers Participates in Haverford Township's 2nd Annual "Relay For Life"
The American Cancer Society “Relay For Life” is a 24 hour fundraising event that gives communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.
In Haverford Township, teams of people walked or ran relay style at a the Haverford Reserve located 3500 Darby Rd, Haverford, Pa. Relay participants camped out overnight and walkers were on the field for 24 hours. It was a block party event with music, games, prizes and lots of fun, held June 5th through June 6th.
The Relay For Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.
Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.
Celebrate - The Survivors Lap
The Relay starts with a Survivors Lap; an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. Survivors were honored with a catered dinner and special gifts. Survivors of cancer had the chance to get re-acquainted with old friends who have suffered along with them. They were also able meet new friends who are beginning their struggle. In each survivor’s story, there is a message of determination, courage and gratefulness shared by their loved ones and caregivers.
This year Home Helper of Drexel Hill, Pa and Media, Pa served as exclusive sponsors for the survivor’s reception and lap. Home Helpers provides non-medical support care for cancer survivors and others with various illnesses. They also provide support care for clients who are new mothers, seniors wishing to remain in their own homes, retirement communities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and more.
Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony
After dark, people who have been touched by cancer were honored and remembered during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles were lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, while participants often walk a lap in silence.
Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony
The Fight Back Ceremony is for participants to make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer. No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay and you can make a difference today by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.
