BERKELEY – Just like a relay race, the Berkeley-Lacey Relay For Life is making the rounds again. It will be held on June 15-16 at Veterans Park in Bayville.
The goal of these participants is not to win the race, but to win the fight against cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, cancer accounted for one in six deaths globally in 2020. Relays for Life raise money for the American Cancer Society to help patients with rides to appointments, lodging for family, a hotline, and more. It’s the best way to help those struggling with the disease and fight it by researching cures.
Robyn Paciulli-Griffith, Event Lead, told attendees last year that “Together we can make the biggest impact to save lives.”
The event starts during the day, lasts overnight, and ends the next morning. This symbolizes the darkness that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and the light of hoping for a better tomorrow, she said.
Throughout the evening, there will be scheduled laps for various groups. The first lap, for example, is made up of survivors.
The event is currently looking for sponsors, volunteers, teams, and anyone interested in donating some time. For example, if they have a business and would be interested in running an activity during the event. If you would like to help or participate, reach out to Paciulli-Griffith at 848-333-7318 or rnofgnt@yahoo.com.
Although Veterans Park is a far cry from Yasgur’s farm, the theme of this year’s Relay is “Woodstock.” That’s why there will be some musical accompaniment at various times throughout the two days.
The relay got its inspiration in 1985, when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money to help the American Cancer Society. The walk was about 83.6 miles and he raised $27,000. The next year, the Relay for Life was born. It has continually been an overnight event since then. No one walks for 24 hours straight, though. They take turns, and that’s why it’s a relay.
For more information on how to help, or how to get help, visit cancer.org.
