Relay for Life symbolizes patient's plight
Staff reporter
As far back as most of us can remember, the American Cancer Society's popular fund-raiser, Relay for Life, has taken place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
This year it will be July 20-21 at Tabor College track, Hillsboro.
Why those hours?
The relay is designed to mirror the cancer patient's life from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.
At sunset, the diagnosis is received by the patient. The relay participant feels energetic, fresh, and ready to take on the challenge of the 12-hour relay.
As the sun sets and darkness sets in, this represents the cancer patient's state of mind as he/she feels that their life is coming to an end.
At dusk, the cancer patient is feeling fear and becoming anxious. The relay walker is becoming tired.
Around 10 p.m. when luminarias are lighted, the cancer patient feels hope. The walker also feels hope and has a renewed spirit. The ceremony reminds participants of the purpose of the event.
The early morning hours from 1-2 a.m. symbolizes the patient's tiredness, exhaustion, and desire to quit the battle of fighting cancer. The walker also is feeling tired, his/her feet are hurting, and they're wanting to lie down for a while.
The time frame from 3-5 a.m. symbolizes the cancer patient wanting to quit but seeing the end of treatment getting closer. The patient is tired but knows he/she can make it. The walker is really tired, wants to lie down but knows dawn is coming soon and the relay will end.
Sunrise is the end of treatment for the cancer patient, with new hope and new beginnings. It is the beginning of a new day and new life. For the walker, it symbolizes the end of the relay and the beginning of a new day. Participants are proud of their accomplishments and meeting their goals of raising money for research, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
As participants leave the relay, exhausted from their efforts, so is the cancer patient after treatment.
According to the American Cancer Society, "There is no finish line until we find a cure."
Any interested in participating or being a sponsor should contact a member of the relay committee or committee chairman Peggy Blackman at (620) 382-2541.
