Farmington Valley Relay for Life in 25th year, thousands expected. How to sign up.
The Relay for Life Farmington Valley is celebrating its 25th year milestone and more than 2,500 walkers are expected as the tradition continues next month, according to organizers.
The 24-hour event will feature walkers from the Farmington Valley as well as West Hartford and beyond with the overall goal of raising $500,000. That number would put the event's lifetime earnings at over $7 million. The money has been used for cancer research, patient support services in the state that includes rides to treatment and free lodging at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodges.
The walk will be held at a standard track in Avon at 99 Thompson Road on May 31. For 24 hours, participants, representing teams will walk continuously for the cause.
The event also includes a 'Survivor Lap,' which honors those who have won their battles with cancer, followed by a luncheon. There is also a Luminaria Ceremony, in remembrance of those who have been lost to cancer.
According to Dr. Harvey Dutil, the team recruitment chair for Relay for Life, the Relay for Life of Farmington Valley has grown leaps and bounds year-after-year.
'Relay for Life is more than a fundraiser in the Farmington Valley,' Dutil said in a statement. 'There is a community dedication and spirit that you can feel coming together each spring for the greater good of a cause that has affected so many.'
This year's event has a carnival theme, with circus-themed performers, games, DJ, dancing, costume competitions and food trucks.
'To build upon this success, we encourage everyone who has been affected by cancer to form teams in memory of an individual or to walk as a champion for someone undergoing treatment,' Dutil stated.
Last year's events had more than 160 groups and 100 local event sponsors.
Registration remains open for those looking to participate as a team or an individual. Sponsorships are also still available.
According to the American Cancer Society, this is the 40th year of Relays for Life nationwide.
'For 40 years, passionate supporters have come together to advance the American Cancer Society's vision: ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. Relay For Life celebrates survivors, honors caregivers, remembers loved ones lost, and raises funds to ensure that everyone has the chance to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer,' according to the American Cancer Society website.
According to the American Cancer Society, The Global Relay For Life is held in 35 countries.
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