It's Not Too Late to 'Relay for Life' in Westminster

If you want to hang out with more than 1,000 other Carroll County folks committed to fighting cancer and supporting those impacted by it, be sure to attend the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of the Westminster area Friday night at the Carroll County Ag Center. 

The event is like no other fundraiser in the county. First of all, it lasts 12 hours and many participating will spend most of those 12 hours walking. Shipley Arena at the Ag Center becomes a mini tent city with campsites for teams planning to spend the night.

Second, it's truly a good time for everyone. From 8 p.m. Friday until almost midnight there will be onsite fundraisers (games, cake sales, food, crafts, jewelry and more), a silent auction, a DJ, and kid-friendly activities. 

Third, this event not only raises money that funds cancer research and patient support services locally, but it also provides the opportunity to celebrate, honor and memorialize those who have fought or are fighting cancer. 

Not interested in spending 12 hours at the Ag Center this weekend? Just drop in around 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 to see cancer survivors walk a lap with their candles lit, or the luminaria ceremony where the facility lights are turned off and the arena is lit by candles to honor those impacted by cancer. There is no cost to enter the event.

Patch asked Jen Burdette from the American Cancer Society's Eldersburg office about the impact of Relay for Life on the Carroll County community. 

Patch: Where does money raised in the Relay for Life event go?

JB: It depends on how many local people are seeking support services and how many Maryland universities are awarded our research grants in a given year. That said, I can tell you that in 2012, we had 279 individuals in Carroll County who contacted the American Cancer Society and utilized our free programs and services for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Also, in 2012, the American Cancer Society funded $18 million in research grants at Maryland Universities. 

Patch: How successful was the 2012 Relay for Life event in Westminster? 

JB: 1200 participants, 180 survivors, over $203,000 raised

Patch: Aside from fundraising, what does this event offer the community? 

JB: While the fundraising aspect is vitally important, Relay For Life is so much more than just a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  It is so much more than just an event.  It is a life-changing experience. It is a gift we give our community. It's an opportunity to educate our community about cancer prevention. A chance to celebrate those in our community who are surviving cancer. A chance to find comfort and hope after losing a loved one to cancer.  A chance to make a difference and fight back against a disease that has affected too many people in our community.  

So far the Westminster Relay has 40 teams signed up, 430 participants registered and has raised more than $97,000. It's not too late to join a team or get involved. Visit the Westminster area Relay for Life website. 

Editor's Note: I have been involved with this event as an organizer in the past and I have been the captain of Team Donna Griffith for 7 years. This event is near and dear to my heart and this year becomes even more relevant as I'll be walking as a colon cancer survivor. If you make it to the event, find me and say hi, I'll be wearing a bright orange Team Donna Griffith shirt with two 8-year-olds badgering me for more money for food and games.  

Related Articles:

• Community Fights Back Against Cancer at Annual Relay for Life Event (Video)
• It's 'Relay' Time in Westminster
• Editors Notebook: Remembering Donna Griffith
• Carroll Hospital Center Breaks Ground on Cancer and Wellness Centers