American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Indian River team leaders and participants jump-started this year’s fundraising season with a Relay Reunion at the Heritage Center, which they described as a best of the best kickoff revivals, in advance of the main event on April 2 at Riverside Park.
“When we ‘Relay for Life,’ we celebrate, remember and fight back,” said event chair Boyd Baldry at the recent gathering, an evening filled with inspiration and information.
Attendees participated in a cancer-centric trivia game that renewed their belief in the mission of the American Cancer Society “to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.”
Baldry enthusiastically announced that the 2022 western-themed Relay in April would be “Back in the Saddle: Let’s Give Cancer the Boot.”
The annual Relay for Life events honor those lost to cancer, and offer hope and support to survivors and those currently battling the disease, while raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
“Relay for Life is a powerful movement,” said Baldry, reflecting on the harsh reality that cancer affects the young and old without distinction.
Theresa Woodson, ACS staff partner for the Treasure Coast, announced a new ACS childhood cancer initiative, Gold Together.
“About 4 percent of the dollars distributed by the National Institute of Health goes to childhood cancer research. The American Cancer Society has decided to do something to switch that up,” said Woodson.
Event committee member Nancy Madsen noted that despite having to hold its Relay events virtually last year, Indian River County still raised more than $67,000, thanks to the support of 38 teams, 89 participants and three sponsors.
“Through the empowerment of each other is how we celebrate all cancer survivors,” said Baldry before announcing the 2022 goals.
“Last year, with no relay, we were still able to raise close to what our goal was. We’re going to crush it this year,” he said, before announcing a fundraising goal of $70,000.
To close out the evening, attendees participated in a reflective walk along a luminaria lit pathway, which glowed in honor of survivors, individuals battling cancer and those who have been lost, a poignant reminder of the cause.
“Not many people can say they don’t know someone that has succumbed to cancer,” reflected Cindy Horner, event committee member.
Relay for Life 2022, presented by Piper Aircraft, begins at 4 p.m. April 2 at Riverside Park.
For information, visit relayforlife.org/indianriverfl.com.
Photos by Kaila Jones
