Relay for Life Volunteers Assist in National Movement

Do you want to give back to your community, but aren't sure where or how to start?

To make it easy for you to connect with organizations in need, Patch is running a special end-of-year series, The 12 Days of Volunteering. Through Dec. 31, we will bring you one volunteer opportunity a day from a local nonprofit group. 

Day 4: Relay for Life

Are you a survivor? Do you know someone battling cancer? Do you want to aid in the fight for the cure? This spring, you have a chance to join a national movement.

Beginning in March and April 2012, several Relay for Life events will take place across Pinellas County and across the country. You can join in the effort to raise money for research and spread awareness and education about the disease.

In Relay for Life, teams come together at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a path or track. Relays are overnight events that last up to 24 hours. Participants don't have to walk all night, but each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

You can get involved by joining a team or creating a new one and participating in the relay. Not interested in walking? You can help organize the upcoming events and volunteer during relay. Want to donate? You can help by donating online. Donate to a participant, team or event. Organizers also accept cash or check donations. 

Learn more about Relay for Life by watching this video on the 2011 event.

There are several Relay for Life events planned for North Pinellas County in 2012:

• April 13, Palm Harbor University High School, Palm Harbor
• April 20, Countryside High School, Clearwater
• April 21, Largo Central Park, Largo
• May 4, Coachman Park, Clearwater
• May 4, Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin

To find other events in the Tampa Bay area, visit the Relay for Life website and enter the city or ZIP code, or call 1-800-227-2345.

Ready to get involved?

Here's how to find out about Relay for Life volunteer opportunities.

You also can contact Theresa Rae Gay, the community representative with the American Cancer Society, at 727-455-1332 or theresa.gay@cancer.org.

About this column: This special 12-day series looks at ways residents can volunteer and make a difference in their communities in 2012.