Walkers aim to support cancer survivors in 24-hour Relay For Life

The fight against cancer never stops, and neither will volunteers participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, a 24-hour event taking place in Merced this weekend.

More than 700 people are expected to participate in the 18th annual Merced relay, which will have at least one member from each of 76 registered teams walking the Merced College football field at all times.

“Cancer never sleeps,” said Shelley Chapman, one of about 30 volunteers helping host the event. “Rain or shine, we’re there.”

The free event, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, is open to anyone who would like to help support the walkers or enjoy activities being organized by each team. Booths set up around the field will feature games, raffles and educational information. Entertainment and activities, such as dance performances, music and kids crafts, will be featured in the middle of the football field, Chapman said.

The relay will begin with a special moment for cancer survivors, who will walk together around the track. Survivors can pick up a free T-shirt starting at 8 a.m. Last year, about 90 cancer survivors participated, Chapman said. This year, they hope to have 100.

“You need to go. It’s phenomenal,” Chapman said.

Relay for Life began in 1985 when one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt, decided to run around a track in Tacoma, Wash., for 24 hours in order to show what someone fighting cancer endures, according to the American Cancer Society. Later, the event became a relay, representing the support that family and friends provide to people in the fight against cancer.

Team members will walk throughout the 24-hour period. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, there will be a Luminaria Ceremony to honor those who have passed. Candlelit bags for the ceremony will be available for purchase and can be decorated with the names or photos of loved ones. The lighted bags then will be placed on the football field.

Now, more than 5,200 communities participate in Relay for Life, making it one of the largest not-for-profit events in the world, according to the society.

“There are a lot of benefits for people in Merced who have cancer who might not know where to go,” Chapman said.

Donations raised from the event will go toward research as well as for efforts to support survivors and patients in Merced, such as the local service programs Look Good Feel Better and Road to Recovery. Chapman said anyone needing help or services can call 1-800-ACS-2345.

“It’s a free, family event. Just come out and walk around,” Chapman said.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 6:44 PM with the headline "Walkers aim to support cancer survivors in 24-hour Relay For Life."