Together vs. Cancer -- Teams are Forming Now!

The 2018 Relay For Life of Anne Arundel County is taking place Saturday, May 19, 2018, from 2 p.m. to midnight at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department in Severna Park.

The American Cancer Society fundraiser combines three previous county Relays. “Together, we’re stronger and in a much better position to help beat our biggest rival – Cancer,” said Anna Ory, the chair of this year’s all-volunteer event leadership team that organizes the event.

On the day of the Relay For Life of Anne Arundel County, “teams set up campsites, similar to a tailgate, and participants take turns walking around our ‘track’ while they also get to enjoy hours of fun, food, entertainment and camaraderie in a huge celebration of life,” Ory continued.

She also said that because of this year’s location at the fire department, we’ll have pit beef, a huge silent auction and raffle, as well as indoor and outdoor games. “And our Relay For Life is free for anyone to attend and is open to the public!”

But it’s the inspirational moments, including an opening ceremony with a survivor victory lap and the beautiful Luminaria Ceremony, where special paper bags with candles inside of them are lighted in honor or in memory of those who have fought cancer, that really bring the crowd together.

Cancer survivors are also encouraged to register and attend the event’s complimentary survivor luncheon. The luncheon begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends with the opening ceremony’s survivor lap. Each survivor is invited to bring one caregiver with them as a guest. Please register for the luncheon by Friday, May 11 to Jean Fisher at jean.fisher@cancer.org.

“Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's national signature event,” said Judith Keeler, an American Cancer Society community development manager. “Our Relay teams raise money from the beginning of the year until our event in May through a variety of innovative fundraising – some of these teams are amazingly creative – to support the American Cancer Society mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer.”

The theme for the event this year is Attacking Cancer From Every Angle and is meant “both from the stand point of bringing our combined communities together, as well as those facets of our mission – funding cancer research, access-to-care patient services, our 24 hour a day National Cancer Information Center website and 800 number, and advocacy,” Keeler said. “All of these are fueled by our Relay participant’s success.”

Both Ory and Keeler also encouraged local businesses to get involved however they are able by forming teams, becoming a sponsor or donating items for the event’s silent auction. To find out more information, contact Judith Keeler at judith.keeler@cancer.org.

Registration is simple and can even be done via ACS’s cell phone App, ACS FUNdraising, or online at www.relayforlife.org/annearundelcountymd