Hello, I’m Kyle Marshall; and I'm working this summer for the Alameda County Public Health Office. I’m e-mailing in regards to a great community involvement opportunity that I am helping coordinate. The American Cancer Society, Alameda County Public Health, and Oakland YMCA are supporting an Oakland Relay for Life fundraiser that will bring together teams of community residents to spotlight cancer prevention, and those who are cancer survivors.
The two day event is slated for Saturday/Sunday, August 26-27 at Skyline High School, 12250 Skyline Blvd. in Oakland. The relay of runners and walkers will continue non-stop for 24 hours, beginning at 10 A.M. August 26 and ending at 10 A.M. August 27. In the event, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a team member on the track at all times during the event in tradition of the theme that cancer never sleeps.
Relay for Life is largely focused on honoring the survivors and those who have lost their battle with cancer. The first lap of the event is the Survivors lap, which is a powerful testimonial to the fact cancer survivorship is real and that progress is being made in the battle against cancer. When the sun goes down, the other highlight of the event shines in the darkness. Hundreds of luminaria light the way under the stars to remember those lost to cancer, those fighting cancer, and those who have fought cancer and won. This ceremony is intended to symbolize the hope and perseverance with which people affected by cancer continue to fight.
Since its inception, Relay for Life has brought together millions of people to help raise money to help prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from the disease. By participating in the event, you’ll also be raising awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient support. Relay for Life brings people together from all walks of life with the common goal of eliminating cancer. There are several ways to be involved a Relay for Life for your community: sign up a team, volunteer at the relay, sponsor the relay, join the planning committee, invite a cancer survivor to the opening lap, and donate money towards a Luminaria. If there are any remaining questions you have regarding Relay For Life visit the American Cancer Society Website: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/par/co...y_For_Life.asp or feel free to contact me. I am helping coordinate teams, so I can provide the necessary materials to form a team. If you know anyone else that is interested in participating feel free to tell them. On a personal note, I think most of us here either know someone whose lives have been affected by cancer or have been affected by cancer themselves. It would be great if all of us G owners could band together and form a team or two for the event. It's for a great cause and I would love to see a lot of you guys participate. If you have any questions either PM me or email me at kyle.marshall@acgov.org . Thank you.