To remind everyone that “cancer doesn’t sleep,” Scottsdale and Paradise Valley volunteers are depriving themselves of some zzzz’s this weekend by participating in the all-night charity event Relay for Life.
Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross and Mayo Clinic Scottsdale cancer researcher Tricia Carrigan will speak at an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. today at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
About 50 cancer survivors and their families will attend Scottsdale’s event, said Jody Howell of the American Cancer Society.
Meanwhile, Paradise Valley held its event late Friday and into early this morning at Phoenix Country Day School.
At both events, as is tradition, the survivors in attendance kick off the event with a “survivor’s lap” around a track, signifying the battle with cancer can be won, but the war is ongoing.
At the events, teams of eight to 15 people take turns walking, running or strolling around a track, with each team trying to keep at least one team member on the track at all times through the night.
“These events cover all types of cancer research,” Howell said. “The money raised also goes toward the Cancer Society’s services.”
Some of the money goes toward providing rides for cancer patients to receive treatment at hospitals, a camp for kids diagnosed with cancer and programs that provide women who have undergone chemotherapy with makeup and wigs.
In Paradise Valley, survivors lit luminarias, while in Scottsdale, survivors are scheduled to release balloons into the sky to honor those who have died or are currently battling cancer.
Last year, Relay for Life raised more than $375 million nationwide, with about 4,500 communities participating, according to the organization.
Save a life
What: Relay for Life
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road
When: 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Sunday
Cost: Registration is $10 per team member, no more than $100 per team
Information: To participate or for more information, call (602) 381-3095 or jody.howell@cancer.org
