Alcona set to host Relay for Life

Alcona County residents will walk next weekend to raise money for cancer awareness and remember those who lost their battle with the disease.

The Alcona County American Cancer Society Relay for Life fifth annual program will take place 10 a.m. July 26, until 10 a.m. July 27 at the Alcona Community Schools track.

"Relay for Life is a 24-hour event to raise funds for research, education, advocacy and services and programs that the American Cancer Society provides," said Tracy Niedzwiecki, cancer society community representative.

The event will kick off with a demonstration from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6466 Color Guard, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Elizabeth LaFave, Miss Sunrise Side princess, and the fight back ceremony.

Niedzwiecki said the fight back ceremony is a new part that's been added to the event. This year it's estimated 101 people from Alcona County will be diagnosed with cancer. During the ceremony, attendees will be asked to pledge how they will fight back against cancer.

"Part of the fight back ceremony is what we can do as a community to fight back against cancer to eliminate those numbers. It's about education and making choices," she said.

During the ceremony, people who make pledges are asked to take one of 101 planted flags and sign their name on a banner.

Teams of family, friends or co-workers take turns walking the track over the 24-hour period. Throughout the day and night, attendees will participate in different lap activities that last one hour each. These activities include masquerade, super hero, let's go to the beach and glow in the dark, Niedzwiecki said.

Other activities such as a martial arts demonstration, kids carnival games and a water balloon contest will take place in conjunction with the laps.

There are specific laps designed to remember and honor those affected by cancer.

During the luminaria ceremony, participants remember loved ones who died from cancer. Small candle lit bags decorated with the names of people who faced cancer line the track during the early morning hours. The ceremony takes place at 9 p.m.

Niedzwiecki said the memorial bags can be purchased with a $10 donation the day of or prior to the event. The luminaria will be on sale from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Mr. Ed's IGA in Harrisville.

During the victory lap, participating cancer survivors are given T-shirts to wear as they walk. The lap will take place at 8 p.m. and Oscoda resident Cheryl Johnson will speak.

"We're inviting all cancer survivors of Alcona County to come and participate in the victory lap. We ask them to come early and register," Niedzwiecki said.

The event will close with a sunrise service led by an area church leader. The service is meant to reflect on those who have been lost to cancer, Niedzwiecki said.

For more information about the event contact Carol Luck at 724-6796 or Niedzwiecki at 354-9984 or 1-866-454-9984.

Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.