The battle against cancer is not something cancer patients face alone. Whether patients have family and friends by their side, receive cards and packages from loved ones or get financial help through fundraisers, many Mahomet residents who have fought against cancer have relied heavily on their support team to see them through.
Each year, nearly four million people join the American Cancer Society to raise funds through Relay for Life. The American Cancer Society not only provides much-needed funds toward research for a cancer cure, but they also help cancer patients with lodging, transportation and recovery programs.
And because many in the Mahomet community have battled cancer together, local Relay for Life organizers have decided to bring the event back to Mahomet on May 9.
The last Relay for Life event in Mahomet was held in 2013. Mahomet residents raised over $32,000 for the financial fight against cancer.
Fundraising efforts for the 2015 campaign began in October when organizers rolled out purple tires with signs that read “This House is Tired of Cancer.” They also raised money through food sales at Chili’s and Applebee’s on Prospect and at Monicals in Mahomet.
Mahomet-Seymour High School’s Freshmen Advisory program displayed decorated Bulldogs during a basketball game in February and at Bulldog Pride Night in April. The Freshmen Advisory program consistently participates in Relay for Life with competitive activities to raise money for cancer research. This year, the decorated Bulldogs will be auctioned off at the Relay for Life event.
Whether teams raise money before the event or at the event, students, along with cancer survivors and their loved ones, will line the football field to celebrate life on May 9.
This year’s theme, “Heroes Among Us” will be filled with family-friendly activities throughout the evening hours.
The night will begin with relayers being welcomed in the Opening Ceremony, and then survivors will walk a victory lap around the Mahomet-Seymour football field track. Caregivers will follow closely behind their loved ones in the Caregiver Lap.
All relay teams will come together for the opening lap before walkers take turns walking until midnight. Luminaries will line the track to honor those who have passed on.
Prospective teams can still register online at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life website by entering the zip code 61853 to begin the process. There is a $10 per person registration fee.
