THE FIGHT CONTINUES

Relay for Life draws crowds to battle cancer

BOYERTOWN >> Boyertown is fighting back against cancer.

On Saturday, June 22, residents got together in Boyertown Community Park for the Relay for Life of Boyertown.

The Relay for Life is an annual event held in communities across the country to raise cancer awareness and funds for cancer research that go to the American Cancer Society.

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. with opening remarks from Relay leaders. Among some of the remarks was a poem that helped remind walkers and visitors what the day was all about.

Drawing attention to a small

table set up at the event, the poem read in part:

“The table is set for one symbolizing the fact that some of our loved ones are missing from this gathering. There have been diagnosed with cancer and they are some of the names and faces behind the luminaries you will see tonight. The chair is empty. Many of those who fought the battle with cancer are no longer with us but rather than mourning their loss, we choose to celebrate their life.”

The day’s events held a particularly strong sentiment for one participant, Mark Cassel, who lost his wife Cindy just that morning to cancer.

“We start today’s relay with a heavy heart. The Boyertown Relay community has lost one of their own,” said American Cancer Society Staff Partner James Pepe. “Cindy’s husband Mark is here with us today. She wanted to be here. She wanted to go around this track with him. He will go around this track today with all of us.”

Mark and his team followed directly behind the bagpipe players during the opening lap, walking directly to the garden of memories, flowers in hand, to place next to a lantern bearing Cindy’s name.

The event then continued as usual with participants taking their laps around the park.

Once the event is in full swing, teammates take turns walking the track or path to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer. Between laps, participants can check out other teams’ tents for games and activities, and help support the cause by purchasing raffle tickets or food.

The event lasts all day and into Sunday morning. The survivor/caregiver ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. Closing ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday.

As of Saturday, the Boyertown Relay for Life has helped raise $130,993.31 for cancer research.

MAriAn DenniS — MeDiAnewS groUP relay participants make their first lap around Boyertown community Park holding a sign to show their support for those dealing with cancer.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Participants in Relay for Life Boyertown found creative ways to get their messages across as the walked to fight cancer.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Teams carried signs for their cause Saturday around Boyertown Community Park as they walked at the annual Relay for Life.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Bagpipe players lead the first lap of the Relay For Life of Boyertown Saturday.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Mark Cassel heads to the garden of memories to place flowers next to a lantern with his wife’s name.