Relay For Life starts at dusk and ends the next morning.
The light and darkness of the day and night parallel the experiences of the cancer patient undergoing treatment.
The Relay begins at sunset, which symbolizes the time a person is diagnosed with cancer. As the evening progresses, it gets colder and darker – this represents the patients’ struggle as they endure the emotions of being a cancer patient.
The time between 1 to 2 a.m. represents when the cancer patient starts treatment. They become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on, possibly wanting to give up. As a participant in the Relay, you have been walking and feel much the same way. Like the cancer patient, you cannot stop or give up.
The time around 4 to 5 a.m. symbolizes the completion of treatment for the cancer patient. Once again, they are tired, but they know they will make it.
The sun rising represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient. They see the light that life will go on.
The morning light brings on a new day, full of life and excitement for new beginnings. As a participant, you will feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the Relay is close at hand.
When you leave the Relay, think of the cancer patient leaving their last treatment. Just as you are exhausted and weak, so is that person, but there is hope in the new day! The money raised at Relay will support patient services, lifesaving research, education, and advocacy efforts … and that is why we Relay!
Remember: There is no finish line until we find a cure!
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