Relay For Life: Get Moving For Cancer Awareness

If you’re looking to save lives, all you have to do is take it one stride at a time at this year’s Relay for Life in Newark.

The event’s coordinators are inviting the entire community to get involved in the 24-hour relay in which team members camp out overnight and take turns walking around a track all in the name of cancer awareness.

And through Jan. 31, you can sign up a team for free. To start a team, visit the Relay for Life Newark website by clicking here. The normal cost to start a team is $100.

Eight teams made up of 12 participants have already signed up for the event, which is scheduled for Aug. 11-12.

Newark’s Relay for Life Manager Michelle Regalo and Event Chair Amanda Allen said all proceeds go toward the American Cancer Society.

The non-profit organization offers free programs and services and is involved with advocacy efforts.

Regalo said this year’s goal is to raise $50,000 and recruit 45 teams. Last year, the 37 teams who participated in the Newark Relay for Life event raised a total of $33,000.

But, more importantly, Regalo and Allen said they wish to have more participants in order to increase awareness.

“The goal is to make people aware… It’s not a marathon event. It’s a way for people to cope,” Allen said.

Each Relay for Life event includes numerous inspirational components to increase the community’s knowledge about cancer. Cancer survivors are invited to take part in a Survivors Lap and a Luminaria Ceremony is held in memory of loved ones who succumbed to their battles with cancer.

“It’s therapeutic,” Regalo said. “It’s different than any other event.”

The pair of coordinators also emphasized the event is family friendly. Games, food and entertainment are all provided.

This year marks sixth Relay for Life that Newark has hosted independently. For many years, the event was held with Fremont and Union City. The location of the event is to be determined.

The next meeting to be held for those interested in joining the event, either as a participant or volunteer, is scheduled for Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Newark Library.

For more information, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/newarkca or follow Relay for Life Newark CA on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/RFLNewark.

See our video above to watch the highlights from Relay for Life 2011.