The Relay for Life is a nationwide event that is held across many local communities throughout our country. In Pulaski, the Relay for Life was this past Saturday in Jackson Park. While it wasn’t the first held by Pulaski, it certainly was one of the best in recent memory.
Such a great crowd turned out to celebrate and honor cancer survivors and those who lost their fight with cancer. With so many people gathered in one place for a common cause, it was hard not to get emotional when thinking about the outpouring of love and support that was in the air on Saturday night. Whether it was the opening ceremony or the luminaria ceremony, each moment was special in its own right.
The night began with the opening ceremony, where visitors and team members alike honored all those who have battled cancer at some point in their lives. They also celebrated the success of this year’s relay season. Following the opening ceremony, the survivor/caregiver walk began. Every step they took was cheered by onlookers; whether they were newly diagnosed or cancer free for over 10 years, they were all treated with all the respect and humility they deserved.
Near the middle of the night the luminaria ceremony was held, in which small bags with a single candle inside were placed around the walking area. Each luminaria was decorated and labeled with the names of survivors, those still fighting and those who have passed on. The luminarias are a powerful way to allow people to express their humility and love for those who they want to honor at the Relay for Life.
The closing ceremony finished out the night by bringing attendees together to commit on taking action across the globe to continue the fight against cancer. It was a time to celebrate what the Relay for Life has accomplished, and to continue adding to those accomplishments in the future. Relays everywhere are special, but we were glad to host our very own again this year in Jackson Park. Here’s to many more years of the Relay for Life continuing their drive for a cancer-free world!