CHIMACUM — With 12 teams and 109 registered participants, Relay For Life of Jefferson County will feature 24 hours of walking, music, remembrance and competitions this weekend at HJ Carroll Park to raise money for patient support and cancer research.
The 2015 Relay for Life marks the 10th year for the Jefferson County relay, which will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday and end at noon Sunday at the field at the park at 9884 state Highway 19.
It is also the 30th year since the very first Relay for Life, held in May 1995 in Tacoma.
The American Cancer Society sponsors Relay For Life events across the country.
As of Wednesday evening, Jefferson County participants had raised $12,062.78, according to its website at www.tinyurl.com/PDN-PTRelay.
Donations for the fundraiser can also be made at the website.
For every dollar raised, 72 cents goes to programs that support cancer patients and cancer research.
The highlights will be the survivors’ lap at 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by a caregiver’s lap, and the luminaria ceremony at 10 p.m. Saturday.
During the ceremony, a candle is placed inside a paper bag and burned in tribute to a person who won or lost a battle with cancer.
Because of the current burn ban and high fire danger in the North Olympic Peninsula this summer, glow sticks will be used in place of candles.
Programs supported by the Relay for Life include Road to Recovery, a ride service; Reach to Recovery, an informational hotline; and help with lodging during treatment.
For more information about the Port Townsend Relay for Life, phone 425-404-2194 or email megan.smothers@cancer.org.
The Chimacum fundraiser is one of several Relay for Life events on the North Olympic Peninsula.
The Port Angeles relay was held June 6-7 at the Clallam County Fairgrounds, 1608 W. 16th St, Port Angeles.
Forks’ will be July 31-Aug. 1 at Forks High School, 261 Spartan Ave.
The Sequim Relay for Life will be Aug. 8-9 at Sequim High School, 601 N. Sequim Ave.
For more information about cancer treatment or programs, phone the 24-hour American Cancer Society line at 800-227-2345.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
