Annual event to raise funds to fight cancer reduced from 24 to 18 hours

Benicia Relay for Life, Aug. 21-22 at Benicia High School, has 26 teams and counting, said Leeann Cawley, who is among those organizing the event this year and who has been associated with the fundraiser since its founding in 2009.

Relay for Life is one of the American Cancer Society’s primary fundraisers. Unlike other events that raise money in the fight against cancer, this one does not target any specific type of the disease — it funds the battle against all types of cancer.

This year the Benicia relay will be 18 hours long, shorter than the 24 hours it has been in the past, in hopes to make it more convenient for those who want to participate.

“It’s coming together. I am so pleased,” Cawley said.

She has invited writer Dan Ryken to read his poem, “We Carry the Torch Forward,” composed specifically for the opening ceremony, and to introduce the first lap around the high school track, called the Survivor’s Lap.

Cawley said organizers are hoping to get more cancer survivors and their caregivers to commit to that first lap, an acknowledgement of their victory and the efforts of caregivers who helped them.

The survivors will have a dessert social while other relay volunteers walk, and as the skies darken, candles will be lit in luminaria that are marked with names of cancer patients. The Northgate Christian Fellowship band will play during the Luminaria Ceremony, Cawley said.

The two special laps have been scheduled closer together for the first time this year, so residents can more easily attend both, she said.

That way, “The community can see the two most beautiful parts of relay,” she said.

The Luminaria Ceremony recognizes survivors, those still battling cancer and those who have been lost to the disease.

As the relay continues, participating teams will walk through the night, and Annie Marie, a fiddler, will play to perk things up early the next morning, Cawley said.

Entertainment has been scheduled off and on throughout the event to bolster the relay participants, she said.

More teams and individuals are welcome to participate, and Cawley said she is hoping for at least 40 teams. Her fundraising goal is at least $80,000.

Each participant is asked to raise $100 to enter Relay for Life, and the money is given to the American Cancer Society. In return, participants get a T-shirt.

Teams and individuals may go online to www.relayforlife.org/beniciaca and register on the website.

Those interested also may attend planning committee meetings at Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second St. The next meeting will be Aug. 11 at 6 p.m.

T-shirt night will be Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Benicia Yacht Club. Those interested in participating in Relay for Life’s planning or in the event itself also may contact Cawley at Leeann.cawley@gmail.com.

Benicia Relay for Life will start at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at Benicia High School, 1101 Military West.