On July 10th, the Ithaca Housing Authority took part in their 6th Relay for Life (RFL) Event. RFL is an annual event where teams raise money for the American Cancer Society. The event began at 6:00PM on the 10th to walk all night until 8:00AM the next morning to raise money and raise cancer awareness. The event was held at the Lansing High School Track and $99,000 was raised overall.
The event as always kicked off with a few words from the committee and the releasing of the doves to begin the survivors lap. All cancer survivors participating in the event line up to do one lap around the track with their caregivers.
Throughout the event there are several DJ’s from stations such as Lite 97 FM and Q Country. For the first few hours people walk around the track and contests are judged. This year the IHA tent was decorated with posters and other symbols from The Cat in the Hat to follow this years theme of Dr. Seuss.
At 9:30PM the luminaries’ ceremony began where teams light their luminary bags across the track. The bags have the names of survivors or those who lost their lives to cancer. Each participant receives a candle which is lit by the “Flame of Hope” or by other candles that were lit by it. They then walk around the track in memory and honor of those who died from or are cancer survivors as these people names are displayed by a projector. At 10:15 a stellar fireworks disaplay was put on right next to the track and could be heard all throughout the county.
Throughout the night teams walk and there are many exciting events to keep people awake. Events likeTompkins Got Talent, a chicken wing eating contest and a scavenger hunt for information on cancer. Individual teams give as well by providing events like 4AM Root Beer Floats, as well as ice cream and light up glasses for small fees that contribute to raising funds.
In the end IHA raised about $1,000 for the American Cancer Society, but that was only the beginning. Simply the presence of IHA supporters at the event walking all night is worth more than any amount of money. Participating in the RFL event is an incredible experience and everyone should participate and show their support.
