Relay for Life 2016: Paint Your World Purple

The Ellwood City Relay for Life 2016 will honor cancer survivors with a “Paint Your World Purple” theme.

This year’s Relay for Life will run Saturday from noon to midnight, rain or shine. Twelve teams are registered to walk around the track and participate in events that include a balloon release, exercise demonstration, basket auction and world survivor lap.

“Purple is the symbol of hope and courage for cancer survivors,” Jackie Kline, the Relay for Life publicity chairperson, said. “Cancer is no longer a death sentence.” Kline is a 10 year, going on 11 year, survivor of breast cancer.

The entire community is invited to participate in the war to end cancer. The Star Spangled Banner will be sung by the Ellwood Civic Chorale, there will be entertainment by local bands and the Lincoln High School Cheerleaders will perform. All cancer survivors will receive a free Relay for Life t-shirt.

In addition, Dallas Stars hockey defenseman Stephen Johns, a Wampum native and Lincoln graduate, will be on hand to sign autographs from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a raffle to win his jersey, with $5 tickets on sale at 1 p.m. Johns will present his jersey to the winner at 6 p.m.

The highlight of Relay for Life, the luminary service, begins at 9:15 p.m. Candles in white bags will circle the track as participants walk a silent lap in memory of all those we have lost to cancer.

“The luminary service is an important piece of what we do,” Ernie Copper, Ellwood Relay’s coordinator with the American Cancer Society, said. “We are dedicated to performing it, although sometimes we have to keep the luminaries under tents.”

The first Relay for Life was performed by Dr. Gordon Klatt, a surgeon in Tacamo, Washington. In May 1985, ran 83 miles on a track over a 24 hour period and raised $27,000.

The event grew into a national and even global event with over 5,000 communities participating across the United States and 22 countries worldwide, Copper said.

Nowadays, teams typically walk around the track and most events are no longer 24-hours, including Ellwood’s. “There are still a few communities that have 24-hour Relays, called heritage events,” Copper said.

All community members are invited to Helling Stadium to support the teams, participate in activities and help fight against cancer.