Published in the May 31, 2018 edition
NORTH READING — Residents from the North Reading and Reading communities are invited to come together at the annual Relay For Life of North Reading-Reading at North Reading High School on Friday, June 1. The fundraiser will help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle.
The event will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight, and more than 250 participants are registered to “walk the track” for six hours to bring awareness to the fight against cancer.
Those who prefer not to walk can still partake in the fight against cancer by attending the event, cheering on the walkers, listening to the stories of survivors, purchasing raffle tickets and goodies from the various teams and purchasing luminarias in memory of loved ones or to honor those who continue to fight this battle every day.
Volunteers are also needed to assist organizers on the day of the event for all sorts of tasks, from setting up to breaking down the tents and tables to offering assistance at the event itself, such as selling raffle tickets, setting up the luminarias or serving dinner to survivors. Times and shifts are flexible so email shannon.mcnamee@cancer.org or connect through Facebook (Relay For Life North Reading).
The funds raised from the Relay for Life will help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer. Proceeds will be allocated to develop breakthrough therapies and to build supportive communities by providing empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness.
Local North Reading High School senior and cancer survivor Anna Jones will be this year’s Relay For Life honoree. Together with her family and friends, Jones will light the Relay for Life’s Flame of Hope as well as lead the first lap of the evening, known as the Survivor Lap. Every Relay For Life event kicks-off with this initial lap comprised of cancer survivors and caregivers in order to celebrate life.
In addition to the support of the community, Relay For Life of North Reading-Reading is also supported by many local businesses and organizations. This year’s sponsors and supporters include Moynihan Lumber, Avanti Insurance and Teradyne.
Townspeople can join or donate to the Relay For Life of North Reading-Reading by visiting www.relayforlife.org/nreadingma to register as a team or individual and join the fight for a world without cancer. They can also register at the event.
Founded in 1985
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington state in 1985, the Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer.
