ACS Relay For Life at Mackle Park

What does the word “relay” mean to you? The dictionary defines relay as “the act of passing something along from one person or group to another, as in passing a baton in a race” or “an electrical device such that current flowing through it in one circuit can switch on a current in another.” These are both valid definitions, but the American Cancer Society has an even better one.

The Relay For Life is a signature fundraiser of the American Cancer Society that has been leading the fight against this deadly disease since 1985. Relay, as it is nicknamed, is a community-based global movement that is staffed and coordinated by volunteers who generously give their time and effort in the steadfast hope to someday eliminate cancer from our world.

“Wish Upon a Cure,” the 2019 Relay For Life of Marco Island, presented by Robert J. Flugger and chaired by Cathy Nelson, will be held March 30 from 2 to 9 PM at beautiful Mackle Park, our “Relay home.” For the past two years, the Relay For Life of Marco Island has placed first in fundraising in the state of Florida. With our 2019 Disney-based theme we are planning to do it again! This celebration of life will be fun for the whole family!

A common misconception of Relay is that it is an athletic event. There will be a walking track, but the only race is the one to end the fight against cancer once and for all. The opening ceremonies begin with the Survivor’s Lap, a testimonial to the fact that we have come a long way in this battle. Caregivers join in to show that no one is alone on this journey. Survivors, their caregivers and families are invited to attend a free dinner inside the Mackle Park Community Center with food that has been donated by several of our area’s finest restaurants.

Our Relay teams have already been diligently raising funds for months leading up to this event. Fundraising will become “fun raising” the day of Relay as the teams sell food and host other activities all in the hope of someday creating a Magic Kingdom where cancer no longer exists.

Luminaria, small beacons of light, will be displayed along the track, each one honoring a survivor or remembering a loved one lost. Silhouetted with the backdrop of a Marco Island sunset, they will relay an emotional message of remembrance and hope.

Yes, the Relay For Life can be defined as “the passing of something from one person to another,” with that “something” being the quest for a cure. And yes, it can even be defined as an electrical device for flowing current, because the energy of Relay is indeed electric! But the best definition is found in these words — Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back!

There are so many ways to add your own definition of Relay by participating in this magical event. Join an existing Relay team or better yet, start one of your own! Or, just plan to attend this community festival with family and friends for a day of fun, entertainment, and inspiration!

For more information, please contact your American Cancer Society at 239-642-6217 or Sue.Olszak@cancer.org. See you March 30!