Short Pump Area Relay for Life Taking Place this Friday in Innsbrook

Walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer when the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Western Henrico gets underway with teams of residents gathering at Lake Rooty near Innsbrook Pavilion this coming Friday.

July 13, 2011; 12:12 PM • by Downtown Short Pump Staff

Walkers will go around the clock in the battle against cancer when the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Western Henrico gets underway with teams of residents gathering at Lake Rooty near Innsbrook Pavilion this coming Friday.

Funds raised at Relay For Life of Short Pump are enabling the American Cancer Society to impact the lives of those touched by cancer within the community. By 2015, the Society aims to prevent close to five million additional deaths from cancer, avoid six million new cancer diagnoses, and measurably improve the quality of life for those who have cancer. Community support is bringing us closer to realizing these challenging goals.

“Relay is a unique opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against the disease,” said Nicole Begany, this year’s event chairperson. “Many of the participants are cancer survivors, which serves as a reminder that our community is not immune to this disease and that by participating in Relay, we are joining with the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays,” Begany added.

The ultimate goal of the events is for participants to become more knowledgeable about cancer prevention and early detection, and learn more about services that are available to cancer patients and their families as well as opportunities to become more involved in the fight against cancer.

Relay For Life’s Luminaria Ceremony takes place after sundown, honoring the community’s cancer survivors and remembering those lost to the disease. Participants will circle a track that is surrounded with glowing luminaria that bear the name of someone who has battled cancer.

Also a part of Short Pump’s Relay For Life event is the “Fight Back” Ceremony, in which a community leader will inspire Relay participants with his or her own commitment and will challenge them to take a personal pledge of action, such as to stop smoking, eat more healthily, exercise regularly or etcetera.

Luminaria for the event may be purchased for $10 by calling 527-3735 or by visiting the event website.

July 13, 2011 12:12 PM 0