Relay For Life 2009 – Celebrating Survival for 19 Years

The American Cancer Society Rutland area Relay For Life event was held at the Central Vermont Public Service facility in Rutland starting on Saturday June 27th and continuing through the night until Sunday morning.

Despite the “iffy” weather situation, hundreds of participants showed up and formed teams to walk or jog around the CVPS facility to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease and to fight back by raising awareness of cancer and raising funds to promote the search for a cure.

The Relay For Life started with the opening ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Molly Quinn opened the event with her rendition of the National Anthem and Joan Gamble and Sam Gorruso welcomed participants.  The first lap of the event was a Survivors Victory Lap with the Rutland City Fire Department carrying the flag. It was followed by a lap for family, friends and caregivers and then and lap for everyone.

Music for the event was provided by Art Howard of Music That Moves You.  A survivors' reception was generously provided by Applebee’s with music by Adam Rosenberg.  Throughout the day and the following night theme laps took place.  They included the crazy hat lap, three-legged lap, chicken dance lap, hula-hoop lap and even zombie laps for those who could stay awake to walk during the early morning hours.  Movies and popcorn were provided through the night also.

From 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. the touching Luminaria Ceremony and lap of silence were held as well as the reading of the names in memory of those loved ones lost to cancer.  Molly Quinn sang Amazing Grace in keeping with the theme of the moment.  Sunday morning brought a pancake breakfast and the closing ceremonies followed by a final lap led by Arron Boynton on the bagpipes.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to:

• Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.

• Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.

(continued on next column)

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