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 7.
A few years ago, it was decided that Mahomet would host Relay for Life every other year. But because family members who have lost loved ones to cancer realize the importance of the event for both survivors and caregivers, the event is envisioned to become an annual event in Mahomet once again.
“My favorite part of the event is the survivor lap and survivor dinner,” Amy Craig, who lost her husband Chris to cancer six years ago said. We’ve even had people who’ve passed away have family members still come to it. It’s a nice tribute to survivors, caregivers and everyone in the family. It gives a little bit of hope. Even though we lost Chris, we still remember him and are still trying to make a positive impact for other people.”
“My other favorite part is when we do the luminary walk and the bagpipes play. It is quiet, and we just remember those who have lost their lives.”
Craig said invitations have been sent out to known cancer patients and caregivers, but the Relay for Life Committee is searching for additional people who would like to participate in the event.
“I would hate for someone to be left out,” Craig said.
Fundraising efforts for the 2016 campaign will began when the Bus Barn will host a car wash at the bus garage located on Division Street near Lincoln Trail Elementary and bake sale at the Mahomet IGA on April 23 from 8 to 1 . The Mahomet-Seymour Freshmen Advisory program also consistently participates in Relay for Life with competitive activities to raise money for cancer research.
Whether teams raise money before the event or at the event, students, along with cancer survivors and their loved ones, will line the MSHS football field to celebrate life on May 7. The night will begin with relayers being welcomed in the Opening Ceremony by Matt Difanis, 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 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.
