Lake County Relay for Life to benefit American Cancer Society

Marah Morrison, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Aug. 31—The Lake County Relay for Life is scheduled to take place on Sept. 16 and this year's theme is celebrating birthdays.

It will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. in Wes Point Park in downtown Willoughby.

"It is our hope that there will be many more birthdays for people with cancer," said Gail Norris, the Relay's marketing and public relations lead.

Since those involved in Relay are volunteers, all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, which uses the funds locally for cancer research, various programs and to improve lives.

The Cancer Society's mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

"ACS has donated millions of dollars to cancer research in Ohio alone," Norris said. "That has resulted in countless cancer advances."

Relay will feature the following on the day of the event:

—A large variety of baskets for all ages in a silent auction. Tickets are available at 9:30 a.m. and winners do not need to be present.

—A celebration for cancer survivors with lunch provided to them and one caregiver. They must be preregistered at relayforlife.org/lakecountyoh.

—Music from Madeline Scarvelli, a Savelli's Dance and Martial Arts demo, music bingo and the Nick and Lori acoustic duo.

"We will celebrate survivors, fight back for those undergoing cancer treatment and remember those we have lost to cancer during our moving Luminaria Ceremony at dark," Norris said.

Luminaria are available for a donation of $10 at the event.

Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a local track for 24 hours to raise money for the Cancer Society.

Today, millions of people in thousands of communities in the United States and in communities in many other countries take part globally, raising awareness and funds to save lives from cancer.

"There is something for everyone at Relay," Norris said.