The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Relay For Life throws a block party to fight cancer
AMBLER » Have you ever been affected by cancer or know someone who has? It’s doubtful that anyone can answer no to this question, but here’s a better one: Do you want to do something about it? Well, now you can.
On Saturday evening, June 25, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of the Wissahickon Valley is back in person, and everyone is invited to attend! Bring family and friends, and stop by any time between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The event is basically a community block party, with food, fun, and entertainment for people of all ages —but it’s a block party for a cause. Although admission is free, the proceeds of any money spent at the event support the American Cancer Society in its efforts to cure cancer with breakthrough research and to provide patient services, such as free lodging near cancer facilities and rides to treatment.
Held at Wissahickon High School (521 Houston Road, Ambler), the Relay festivities include old-fashioned fun, such as wing-eating contests, water balloon tosses, Kan Jam, cornhole, henna tattoos, raffles and silent auctions, a DJ, and much more. Since Relay For Life began as an actual relay over 35 years ago — hence the name — people can also walk the track if they choose to, collecting plastic feet to mark each lap. As American Cancer Society senior development manager Natalie Lynch explains, “We are staying true to our roots by having the track open for participants to walk laps if they wish.”
In addition to all the fun at Relay, there are also reminders of the greater good that the event supports. There will be a station for decorating cards for cancer patients and an opportunity
The event is basically a community block party, with food, fun, and entertainment for people of all ages —but it’s a block party for a cause.
to honor cancer survivors in a celebratory lap around the track. There will also be a brief address by Dr. Mark Shahin, deputy director of the cancer center at Abington Jefferson Hospital.
At 9:15, the stadium lights will be darkened for the most touching part of Relay: the Luminaria Ceremony. The track will be encircled by glowing luminaria that community members have dedicated in memory, honor, or support of loved ones who have been affected by cancer. It’s a time to reflect and to just be together as a community, united in the fight against a disease that has taken too much from too many. (Luminaria can be purchased at the event on in advance, though June 19, on the Relay For Life of the Wissahickon Valley website.)
The cancellation of the live Relay For Life event, caused by the pandemic, for the last two years was hard— hard on fundraising to fight cancer and hard on community members that have so much affection for the event. Therefore, there is much enthusiasm about this year’s return to in-person festivities. As cancer survivor and longtime Relay volunteer Stacey DeMichele says, “I am so excited to be back in person to walk the track with my Relay Team and fellow planners, as well as opening up to the community once more to bring the Relay spirit back to us all. The Luminaria Ceremony is so moving and meaningful in person.”
For more information, visit the Relay For Life of the Wissahickon Valley website, or contact Natalie Lynch at natalie.lynch@cancer.org. If you’re interested in volunteering at the event, contact Natalie as well.