Submitted by Bedford Relay for Life
Cancer survivors and caregivers, families, students, and all others are invited to join Bedford’s 19th Relay for Life event on Saturday, June 1. This annual event will be held on the Bedford track and all of the money raised supports the American Cancer Society.
There will be fun activities, empowering ceremonies for the cancer community, live music, food, and a raffle. This year’s event is Hawaiian themed, so come in tropical attire if you have it.
There will be a special tent for survivors/caregivers with food, drinks, treats, and special gifts. This area, as well as the entire event, is a great chance for survivors and caregivers to connect with more people in their community touched by the disease. The cancer community will also be honored in the opening lap and ceremonies.
Relay for Life will also be fun for kids of all ages with activities to keep them busy all day. The kids’ tent offers a variety of fun arts and crafts such as face painting, shell painting, and tie-dye.
Anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to stop by from 4 to 11 p.m. The ceremonies will begin at 4:30 p.m. and everyone not participating in the overnight walk around the track must leave by 11 p.m. You do not need to register for the event to attend the festivities before that point.
This is a shortened itinerary of key moments on June 1:
- 4:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony
- 4:45 p.m. – Survivor/Caregiver Lap
- 5 p.m. – Team Banner Lap
- 6 p.m. – Fight Back Ceremony
This ceremony symbolizes the will and drive of a survivor to fight back against the disease.
- 9 p.m. – Luminaria ceremony and glowstick lap
Each luminaria bears the name of someone who has battled or is battling cancer. This ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and perseverance with which everyone continues to fight. Everyone will unite to take a silent lap around the track with glow sticks.
Interested in bringing kids to the event?
- Come by between 4 and 7 p.m. on June 1 for kids to participate in crafts and games at the Kids’ Tent. All ages are welcome.
Interested in fundraising for the ACS?
- People who raise $100 will receive a special Hope Club t-shirt and be eligible for additional relay rewards.
- People who have raised $150 are invited to stay for the overnight portion of the event after registering online. All others must leave by 11 p.m.
- Register online here.
Participants raise money for the fight against cancer, then spend the night walking the track. Every team has at least one member walking the track all night (such as a relay) to symbolize how, as long as “cancer never sleeps,” neither will we.
Anyone can order or decorate their own bag in honor of lost loved ones, someone who’s currently battling cancer, or anyone who has overcome it. The track will be surrounded with the glowing bags as people take a silent lap, which is always one of the most powerful moments of the night. Embrace the strong Bedford community at this moment, and come decorate a luminaria bag.
During the event, there are many activities that appeal to participants of all ages. Anyone can join the fight by walking the track, collecting beads for each lap you walk. In between laps, enjoy the live music and grab a snack with burgers and drinks on sale all day.
Near the entrance, there will also be a silent raffle with the chance to win prizes such as a signed Boston Bruins portrait or tickets to college sports events.
For more information about how Relay for Life helps the cancer community, visit the organization’s website, or email the local committee at [email protected].
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