Our foursome had made our way to the first tee this past Tuesday, ready for a two-hour escape from stress and worries. Only instead of finding a brief escape from reality on the golf course, cancer interrupted. One of the four in our group shared that he had just lost a dear friend to cancer — he was only 47 years old.
Cancer seems to strike everywhere and affect everyone. It’s impossible to get away from its reach.
Hearing of his friend’s passing was a jolting reminder of how much a hate and fear the disease. The mere mention brings so many close people to mind and a lot of painful memories.
There is one place where the word cancer is powerless — at least to me — Relay for Life. It’s a time where people speak of hope, share stories of inspiration and draw strength from each other.
This year’s event promises to provide all of the above, with a whole lot of added fun. This year’s Relay for Life of Charlotte invites you to Carnival for a Cure, 12 hours of fun, inspiration and determination all in the name of fighting cancer. The festivities get underway at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 24 at the Charlotte High School track and activities are planned until 2 a.m.
Who doesn’t love a carnival? There’s great food, challenging games, unique entertainment, and in Charlotte, an opportunity to join in the fight against cancer.
Teams will start setting up at 2 p.m. and walking the track. The first planned activity is the Mascot Lap and Pictures, which begins at 5 p.m. The opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and typically kick off an evening of inspirational stories. The annual Survivor’s Lap begins at 6:30 p.m. as cancer survivors walk united around the track and are recognized and congratulated by all teams participating in the 12-hour event.
Carnival games get underway at 7 p.m. and teams havebeen busy planning fun games to challenge participants. Messages to Heaven will launch at 8 p.m. and the moving Luminaria Ceremony is planned for 10 p.m.
For a complete listing of activities, check out page 12 and 13 in this week’s County Journal or visit www.cancer.org and search Relay for Life of Charlotte.
