Clark's Relay For Life Kicks Off Tonight

Starting at 6 p.m. Friday night, volunteers from the American Cancer Society will be joining forces with residents of Clark and surrounding communities for Relay For Life, a 12-hour event that will take place at continuing throughout the night and ending at 6 a.m.

As of Thursday, the event has 1125 registered participants, including 197 cancer survivors and 48 teams. The Clark event has raised $127,156 as of Thursday, and organizers expect to raise much more in the next 48 hours. Featured speakers include Florence Peterson (survivor speaker), Richard Wright (caregiver speaker) and "Fight Back" speaker Rose Dulko.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event. Teams camp out and take turns walking a track throughout the night in honor of those who have fought cancer and in memory of those who are no longer with us. Funds raised through Relay For Life support the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society through research, education, advocacy and patient/family services.

Annually, over three million people participate in Relay For Life events in communities worldwide and have raised over $4 billion since its inception in 1985. This year, the NY / NJ area is hosting over 250 events. had 1099 participants, including 202 cancer survivors in attendance.

Opening ceremonies begin with the “Survivor Celebration Lap,” where hundreds of survivors walk around the track together. The Luminaria Ceremony takes place at nightfall with volunteers and participants lighting hundreds (sometimes thousands) of candles. The candles illuminate the perimeter of the track and guide walkers though the darkness during a “silent lap," to show respect for the survivors walking but also to reflect on the lives of those who did not win the battle.

Everyone is welcome to participate in Relay For Life and there is still time to do so. Walk-in participants can make donations (the suggested donation is $10) and should visit the registration area upon arrival. Or, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society anytime. Checks can be mailed to: Christina Andrascik, American Cancer Society, 986 S. Springfield Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081.

For more information on Relay For Life of Clark, or the American Cancer Society, call 973-232-2573 or visit www.relayforlife.org/clarknj.