CARIBOU, Maine — Rallying the passion of more than four million people around the world, Relay For Life events raise critical funds that help fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society, an organization whose reach touches the lives of so many — those who are currently battling cancer, those who may face a diagnosis in the future, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education, prevention, and early detection.
Next month, teams of local community members will join together at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Aroostook County to help finish the fight against cancer. The event will take place at Caribou High School from 6 p.m. June 19 until 8 a.m. the following morning, June 20.
Relay For Life events are community events where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team has at least one participant on the track at all times and participates in fundraising in the months leading up to the event. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last from 12-18 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer.
This year’s theme is Disney, and according to the website for Aroostook Relay for Life, 24 teams and 310 participants have raised more than $35,000 so far.
Organizers say it is thanks to the dedication of Relay teams like Rosalie’s Regulators that support the society’s lifesaving mission and help save lives.
“I am excited to be participating again this year at my local Relay for Life event,” said Dorene Gerrish. “I decided to start up a team seven years ago in memory of my dear friend, Rosalie, who passed away from brain cancer. Last year at this time, my son-in-law, Joel, had just finished his stem cell transplant.”
Gerrish is very proud of her team, which has raised close to $30,000 in the past five years. “We have seen how the money raised for the American Cancer Society helps those battling cancer,” she said. “I want to thank everyone who has donated over the years. Let’s continue to help others battling this disease!”
It is not too late for community members to get involved in the event by forming a team or making a donation to the Relay For Life of Aroostook. For more information, visit relayforlife.org/aroostookme or call 1-800-227-2345.
Organizers emphasized that every dollar raised makes an impact; $100 can help provide nine rides to or from treatment for a cancer patient, guide four women facing breast cancer through every step of their journey, or help offer a cancer patient and their caregiver one night of free lodging when having to travel away from home for treatment.
