The fifth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Patchogue-Medford took place at last Saturday.
The Relay For Life is a life-affirming occasion. It gives communities a chance to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and remember lost loved ones while taking a stand against the disease.
The evening began with a Survivor's Reception at 6 p.m. on the field of the high school. All cancer survivors were invited to attend a buffet dinner, donated by Porter's on the Lane of Bellport.
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The opening ceremonies included the traditional Survivor's Lap followed by a lap for all family members and caregivers before being opened to all participants.
The Luminaria Ceremony, a highlight of the Relay, consists of meaningful bags decorated in memory and honor of people with cancer. After dark, battery-operated candles placed inside the bags were lit. During the ceremony, a silent walk led by the Suffolk County Police pipe band also occurred.
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It was a 12-hour overnight event, symbolic of the fact that cancer never sleeps. At Relay, teams of people camp out and take turns walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track throughout the evening.
This year, 58 teams, totalling 504 participants raised a total of $56,094, before and during the event.
To find out more information on how you can get involved in next year's Relay For Life go to relayforlife.org/patchoguemedfordny, or for cancer information 24 hours a day, seven days a week go to cancer.org or 1 800-ACS-2345.
Check out the photo gallery for highlights from the event. Have your own photos from the Relay? Add them to this article or email them to michael@patch.com.
