The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Butler County is set to begin at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15 and continue through midnight at the Fred M. Morrow Stadium in Poplar Bluff. Relay For Life is a celebration of cancer survivorship and a fun way to raise the vital funds needed to help find a cure for cancer and provide programs and services to cancer patients. The event will celebrate the lives of so many local residents who have survived cancer, while offering the hope of finding a cure.
"The Opening Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with a survivors' lap where cancer survivors and their caregivers will take a victory lap around the track. The involvement of local cancer survivors is proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment," said Shanna Hayes, community manager for the American Cancer Society. A candlelight ceremony also takes place to honor cancer survivors and remember those who lost the fight against this disease. The candle lighting will begin Friday night at approximately 9 p.m., luminaria bags for the ceremony can be purchased at the event or from a team member.
Relay For Life is a community event bringing together teams of families, friends, churches, neighborhoods, and businesses - all with the same goal of conquering cancer. Teams of walkers keep a continuous presence on the track throughout the night, walking in shifts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
This year's event theme is "Come out to the Fair" and everyone is welcome. A full agenda of family friendly entertainment is planned, including live music, a silent auction, team fundraising activities, and contests all night long. ThunderBall PB will also be there with inflatable bowling.
Funds raised during Relay For Life help support the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.