PORT TOWNSEND — The Relay For Life of Jefferson County will present 24 hours of music and competitions this weekend at Memorial Field to raise money for patient support and cancer research.
“Cancer never sleeps, so we are making a 24-hour effort for its eradication,” said Megan Smothers, a representative of the American Cancer Society, which sponsors Relay For Life events across the country.
This is the ninth year for the Jefferson County relay, which will begin at noon Saturday and end at noon Sunday at the field at 550 Washington St.
Once a community’s Relay For Life ends, another begins in preparation for the next year, with volunteers forming teams that engage in competitive fundraising events throughout the year, Smothers said.
The annual Relay For Life event is the culmination of that process.
As of Wednesday evening, 144 Jefferson County residents on 15 teams had raised $14,583, according to its website at http://tinyurl.com/PDN-PTRelay.
The highlights will be the survivors’ lap at 6 p.m. Saturday and the luminaria ceremony at 10 p.m. Saturday.
During the ceremony, a candle, purchased for $5, is placed inside a paper bag and burned in tribute to a person who won or lost a battle with cancer.
“The luminarias are placed all around the field,” Smothers said.
“When we light them, you get a perspective about how many people have been affected by cancer.”
Team awards will be given in Road to Recovery races.
Support research
Smothers said 72 cents of every dollar raised goes to programs that support cancer patients and cancer research.
These programs include Road to Recovery, a ride service; Reach to Recovery, an informational hotline; and help with lodging during treatment.
“Many patients need to travel long distances for care,” Smothers said.
“We supply them with hotel rooms so they have a place to stay during the procedures.”
The Memorial Field grandstand is closed and cannot be used for seating.
A tunnel allows public use of the main entrance and restrooms.
The Jefferson County Relay For Life will be the second event this year on the North Olympic Peninsula.
The Port Angeles Relay For Life was June 7-8.
Forks’ version will be from 3 p.m. Aug. 1 to noon Aug. 2 at Forks High School, 261 S. Spartan Ave.
The Relay For Life of Sequim will be from 6 p.m. Aug. 8 to 8 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Sequim High School track, 601 N. Sequim Ave.
Smothers said she is always looking for sponsors and volunteers.
She can be reached at 425-404-2194 or megan.smothers@cancer.org.
For more information about cancer treatment or programs, phone the 24-hour American Cancer Society line at 800-227-2345.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
