The journey to end cancer starts with a single step. The American Cancer Society invites you to take that step with us by joining the global Relay for Life movement. When you walk to end cancer at a Relay event, it’s your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember loved ones lost, but also to raise awareness about what we can do to stay well from cancer and raise money to help fuel the world’s largest walk to end cancer.
This year, the City of Osseo is proud to host the Relay for Life of Osseo/Maple Grove event, scheduled for Friday, July 19, 2013 starting at 6:00 PM. The event will begin at the Osseo Senior High School. Detailed events can be found here.
The Opening Ceremony kicks off at 6:00 PM, which brings everyone together for a high-energy event kickoff to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, to inspire hope by sharing recent accomplishments and progress, and to remind everyone that while we are winning this battle, fighting cancer is a year-round priority. Immediately following the Opening Ceremony will be the Survivors Lap. Upbeat music plays as all cancer survivors at the event take the first step around the track cheered on by other participants who line the track, celebrating their victory over cancer.
Next, the Caregivers Lap gives anyone who ever cared for someone with cancer a lap so they can be honored for their support. Caregivers walk this lap with the people they helped if they are also present at the event. At 9:30 PM, the Luminaria Ceremony begins. This is a time to remember people we have lost to cancer, to support people who currently have cancer, and to honor people who have fought cancer in the past. The power of this ceremony lies in providing an opportunity for people to work through grief and find hope.
Next, the Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each make to the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what you are willing to do for yourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives. Finally, the Closing Ceremony is a time to remember the lives of those lost and to celebrate what everyone has committed, through participation in a Relay event, to fight back against this disease over the next year. A list of items to bring to the event can be found here.
No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at a Relay for Life event. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. How far will you go to make a difference in the fight against cancer? Your reason for participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event is as unique and special as the story that motivates you. If you have been affected by cancer in any way, being part of the Relay event empowers you to make a difference and fight back. This is your opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost to this horrible disease, and raise funds and awareness to help end cancer forever.
Come on out and participate in any way possible this Friday (July 19) starting at 6:00 PM at the Osseo Senior High School. Join your friends, family, neighbors, and all others in this fight against cancer.
You can help donate money to this cause by clicking here.
Riley Grams, City Planner, City of Osseo
