Franklin County Relay: Sweet 16 and facing new challenges

The continued economic woes have hit charities hard and the Relay is not immune to that. As the Relay For Life at Franklin County enters its 16th year, organizers face many challenges in accomplishing its goals.

The Relay, a grassroots, and yet international event that brings the enormity of the fight against cancer down to the people of a community, kicks off in Farmington at 6 p.m. Friday, May 30.

“The fund-raising challenges we face as Relay organizers and volunteers pale in light of the challenges cancer patients face every day. We will continue to work hard toward the goal of finding cures and improving the lives of cancer survivors,” said Dee LaPlant, chairman of the Relay For Life of Franklin County.

“Sometimes the fight against cancer seems overwhelming. By taking up that fight in our community, as many others are doing in their communities, we can make a difference,” said LaPlant.

The American Cancer Society has set up the Relay as an organized, overnight community fundraising walk that features teams of people who camp out around a track. Members of each team take turns walking around the track. While that is happening, food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie.

“Cancer takes a lot out of a family. Even when there is treatment available, the ordeal can be a physical and emotional drain on the individual and his or her family,” said Anna Lyon, who is a member of the organizing committee. “The Relay is a chance for everyone to get together and have a little fun while fighting a very un-fun disease.”

Relay events feature a Survivors Lap, during which all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while being cheered on by the other participants who line the track.

Being a “Survivor” doesn’t necessarily mean the battle is over. “Anyone who has been given the diagnosis of cancer is a survivor for the purposes of the Relay,” said LaPlant.

Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers facing cancer.

After sunset, the Luminaria Ceremony takes place so those who have been lost to cancer are remembered and those who have fought cancer or are in the midst of their fight may be honored. Candles are lit inside of bags bearing their names that are placed around the Relay track, serving as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer.

Traditionally, events have a theme and teams try to interject the theme into their dress, campsite decoration and events. This year, the theme is Getting Medieval on Cancer so expect to see plenty of knights and fair damsels.

Funds raised at the Relay are used with the goal of making progress toward a future without cancer and more birthdays.

The Relay benefits:

Research — For more than 65 years, the American Cancer Society has been finding answers that save lives — from changes in lifestyle to new approaches in therapies to improving cancer patients’ quality-of-life. No single non-governmental, not-for-profit organization in the U.S. has invested more to find the causes and cures of cancer.

Hope Lodge — Where to stay and how to afford accommodations are immediate concerns for cancer patients who must travel far from home for the best treatment. American Cancer Society Hope Lodge facilities provide a free and comfortable place for patients and their caregivers to stay, so they can focus on getting well.

Road to Recovery — Cancer patients frequently cite transportation to and from treatment as one of their most critical needs. The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program matches cancer patients with specially trained volunteer drivers.

Look Good … Feel Better — This free service teaches women battling cancer beauty techniques to help them improve their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals demonstrate makeup techniques, nail care, skin care, and options related to hair loss.

Reach to Recovery — Our Reach To Recovery support program matches specially trained breast cancer survivors with people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and who want to talk to someone who has been there. These dedicated volunteers offer understanding, support, and hope.

Locally, the Relay is made possible by the dedication of many volunteers and the sponsorship of many businesses, including Franklin Savings Bank, Hannaford and Sea-Vu Campground.

In addition, many support the event with in-kind donations, such as the Farmington Fairground Association, which allows use of the Fairgrounds for a minimal charge, Franklin Memorial Hospital, which provides meeting space for the committee and team captains to meet to organize year-round, and WKTJ, which provided on-air time to help promote the event.