Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Hundreds of participants will come together this weekend at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sevier County to honor cancer survivors, their caregivers, and to pay tribute to those for whom the cure did not come soon enough.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life event begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Patriot Park, Old Mill Avenue in Pigeon Forge, and runs until midnight. Admission is free. The event ignites team spirit among participants and works to raise funds used to save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.
This event is a celebration where people take turns walking, running or otherwise circling around a track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. You don’t need to be a track star to be a winner in this race for life. The idea is to enjoy your time, dance, play games, and enjoy the presence of others all while raising money to finish the fight, and provide services to cancer patients and their families. One of the many highlights of the event is the luminaria ceremony, or candlelight vigil, held at nightfall to honor cancer survivors, caregivers, and to remember those lost to cancer.
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sevier County Schedule of Events
To help kick off the event, Relay For Life of Sevier County is hosting the Running Cancer Out of Town 5K Glow Run the night before on Friday, June 3, 2016. Funds raised by the race will benefit Relay For Life and the fight to find a cure for cancer. The run is in memory of Cherie Atchley, wife of Mayor Bryan Atchley, who lost her battle to cancer in 2005. Signup online or race day registration begins at 7:30 p.m. at Patriot Park. The entry fee is $25. The run/walk begins at 9 p.m. and takes a course along the greenway in Pigeon Forge.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life reminds us that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten and that those who face cancer will always be supported. More than anything it makes us hopeful that one day, cancer will be eliminated for good. This event is therapy for the mind, spirit, and the heart. Since 1985, Relay For Life has spread to more than 6,100 communities in the U.S. and has become a worldwide movement, taking place in more than 20 countries.
