The Relay for Life, nationally known for supporting the victims and families of cancer, will make its debut at The University of Texas-Pan American Friday at 7 p.m. and will wrap up Saturday at 7 a.m.
Judi Carrizales, program director for Students Against Cancer at Pan Am, is positive that there will be a strong turnout for the event.
“Over 500 people are expected to show up. It’s been advertised on the radio on stations such as Wild 1.04, K-TEX, and Hot Kiss 106.3, to name a few,” she said. “Plus, it’s open to the community, so anyone who wants to come is welcome. They too will be recognized if they have suffered from cancer or have loved ones who have.”
Around 20 teams of community members and students will be participating in the event, with each team represented by a banner and walking together in unison; the goal is to show their compassion for those who have struggled with cancer.
The event will kick off with luminarias, little white paper bags that are sent to elementary schools so kids can decorate them. They are then filled with candles.
The children are asked to design the bags in a way that shows what life means to them. This is supposed to enlighten and bring joy in place of the sadness and pain for those who have suffered.
The cost is $10 per bag and they will be available for purchase at the event. The items when lighted are ultimately supposed to represent those who have lost their battle with cancer.
“The plan is to have the bleachers spell out hope once there are enough luminarias to use, while speakers talk about their illness and struggle to survive,” said Carrizales, the pshycology major from McAllen.
Survivors are then honored by walking a lap on their own, showing that they still alive and are ready for what’s next. This portion of the event is to raise hope.
While the parade of teams do their thing around the track, five bands have been selected to play throughout the night: Marshall Law, The Peppered Moths, Square Roots, and Saints and Traitors.
The total amount of money that is raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Anyone is welcomed to attend and donate to the cause.
According to Carrizales, when the morning comes the following day it’s supposed to represent a brand-new beginning for the victims and families who have suffered from cancer and pulled through, as well as for those who were not able to make it.
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