Sixteenth Relay For Life returns for cancer fight

SUPERIOR - The Relay for Life Planning Committee and team captains are already behind the scenes furiously preparing for this year’s event to help fight cancer.

The event, which will be in its 16th year, returns July 11-12 at Superior High School from 6:30 p.m. - 7 a.m.

The Mineral County Relay for Life raises about $35,000 annually, most of which helps cancer patients with services in the county, according to Peggy Temple, publicity chairperson for the event.

“With this money we can provide patients transportation to Missoula for treatments, and also offer them free hotel accommodations along with a ride to get there,” Temple said.

In 2013, the American Cancer Society estimated that 143 services were provided to 36 Mineral County residents, while 40-50 percent of donations from the relay make up the society’s yearly income.

The day starts with an opening ceremony in dedication to those who are living with cancer, as well as survivors who have overcome it. The survivors will get to take the first lap around the track, celebrating personal victories over the disease while being cheered on by other participants.

Even though the name given is the Relay for Life, participants walk at their own pace, and it is not a competition-based event. The only winners are the cancer patients who will be able to benefit from the significant amount of money raised.

There are many ways to help without attending the yearly walk itself. Group organizers accept donations throughout the year, and also host different activities to raise awareness.

“The main focus of the relay is to celebrate survivors, and to fight back to help find a cure,” Temple said. “We usually have 12-15 teams sponsored by different companies in the area, and families who have been affected by cancer can also participate.”

The area comes together in the early evening, and continues the fight until the next day, symbolizing when someone first finds out about a diagnosis, which for many feels like being alone in the dark, Temple said. At dawn, the sunrise represents the light at the end the tunnel and marks the closing of another year.

The Relay for Life is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. It is an opportunity for people of a community to come together in the fight against cancer. Aside from the yearly walk, people raise money throughout the year in order to get ready for that important night of the summer.

Each year teams camp out around the track, and each team walks around it. 

The relay promotes a family friendly environment for the entire community including food, games and activities all night long.  

“For people who can’t walk the track, we have something called Rockerville where you can sit there and rock back and forth the whole time,” Temple said.

Each year the Mineral County Relay for Life holds a luncheon prior to the event to help raise extra money. Temple said instead of the traditional luncheon, the committee is brainstorming the possibility of a dinner service.