The Luminaria: Every bag has a name

Whether or not you are involved in a Relay For Life team, everyone is welcome to participate in the Luminaria Ceremony, which takes place about 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 30. It’s a special after-dark moment when we pause to remember those we have lost to cancer and honor those who have fought cancer in the past and support those whose fight continues. For many, it’s the pinnacle of the event.

Luminaria are white bags, each with the name of someone who has died from cancer, has survived or is currently fighting cancer. Candles are placed in sand in the bags and then arranged around the track. Once all the bags are in place, the candles are lit and the event lights are brought down. The names are read aloud, accompanied by bagpipes.

Many people decorate their own bags, which brings a personal connection to the individual. Relay For Life organizers are happy to make up the bags for anyone who wishes to have one. The Relay For Life is, of course, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and a $10 donation is suggested for each luminary.

Anyone interested in having a luminary in the Franklin County Relay For Life may do so in several ways. Please try to get them in in advance of the event. It takes time to put together 1,000 luminaria.

“It’s important to us that the names are correct. We know how important these bags are to everyone,” said Anna Lyon, who is the “Luminary Bag” for the event.

Online: Go to www.relayforlife.org/franklinme and select GET INVOLVED/DEDICATE A LUMINARIA and follow the directions.

By check: Write down legibly the name of the person to whom the luminaria is dedicated, noting whether the luminary should be “In Memory” of someone who has died or “In Honor” of someone who has fought or is fighting cancer. Please include a phonetic spelling of the name if it is one that might be mispronounced and tell us if you would like to bring your own decorated bag. Mail this information with a check made out to the American Cancer Society to Anna Lyon, c/o Franklin Savings Bank, PO Box 825, Farmington ME 04938 or drop it by the bank.

By Fax or email: If you are a member of a team, you may keep the funds in your fundraising envelope and send the luminary information ahead of the event. Send the same information as you would by mail to Anna Lyon at (fax) 779-1282 or email a.lyon@FranklinSavings.com.

At the Relay: Come to the event and go to the Luminaria table. Volunteers will be happy to help you.

Questions? Contact Anna Lyon at 779-9230 or by email at a.lyon@FranklinSavings.com.