New London Relay For Life On Track For Saturday

Hundreds of participants are expected to make a symbolic walk through the night this weekend as the Relay for Life of New London County Seashore returns to Connecticut College.

The event, the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will begin at 11 a.m. on June 8 and continue through 9 a.m. the next day at the campus track. A volunteer cancer study will also take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 8. This is open to anyone between the ages of 30 and 65 who has not been diagnosed with cancer and is willing to commit to a long-term study, including periodic surveys over a 20 to 30 year period.

Erin Nielsen, area director of development for the New England Division of the American Cancer Society, said the walk carries a symbolic significance.

“That journey that a cancer survivor takes is kind of expressed through the walking,” she said. “They walk through the night, and that is an expression of the darkness and the illness and the tiredness.”

Nielsen said the continuance of the walk until the morning light represents a cancer survivor’s triumph over the illness, as well as breakthroughs that are being made in addressing cancer. She said two-thirds of people who are diagnosed with cancer are now able to beat the disease.

Teams typically take turns walking around the track, with at least one member going around the loop at any given time. An opening ceremony starts the walk, with cancer survivors making the first lap.

Some people walk for the duration of the evening. Others take breaks to take part in the different activities and entertainment offered at the relay, or catch up on sleep at a team campsite. Teams may also continue to do fundraising by selling snacks or other items.

Nielsen said teams taking part in the Relay for Life have been raising funds throughout the year through methods such as dinners or tag sales. She said participants set their own fundraising goals and methods.

“It’s a very unique team based fundraising event,” said Nielsen. “It’s designed to raise awareness about cancer and it’s designed to raise funds to support the cancer research and education programs.”

Nielsen said she hoped to have 500 participants this year and that the event will raise $100,000. About $47,000 had been raised as of mid-May.

The event also includes a memorial ceremony at dusk, when people may put out a luminary with the name of a loved one written on it. A closing ceremony will also be held at the end of the walk.

There is no minimum amount to raise for the event, but participants must pay a $10 registration fee and raise at least $100 to receive a T-shirt. Registration may be done online or by calling 1-800-227-2345.

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