OCEAN CITY — Relay For Life of North Worcester County will be held at Frontier Town this weekend, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 10 and wrapping up the following morning.
"Everyone is welcome to come out and support the teams," said Dawn Hodge, Relay For Life chairwoman, noting that there’s still time to sign up for anyone who is interested in joining a team as well. "We’ll be taking registrations right up to until start time."
Over the course of 12 hours, teams of people gather at the campground and take turns walking to raise money. This year’s goal is $150,000. To date, there are 55 teams and 335 relay participants expected.
This year’s top teams include Atlantic Endoscopy Center Polypeers and Hope Hunters, each with close to $13,000 of donations.
"But, those numbers account for donations posted online only, and event day totals could change dramatically," Hodge said.
Teams also have individual fundraisers and activities for visitors at each camp site.
The list of special events for the annual affair include a Survivors Lap, where cancer survivors have the opportunity to take the first lap around the campground while other participants line up to cheer them on.
"It’s incredibly emotional," said Hodge. "The courage and the hope cancer survivors display coupled with the support and cheering-on of Relay participants can be overwhelming. We encourage all survivors out there to show up and celebrate their victory with us."
A Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark to honor those who fought cancer in the past and support those who continue to fight. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the relay camp sites as glowing tributes to those who have been affected by cancer.
All money raised during the event supports the American Cancer Society’s efforts to fund cancer research, patient lodging and transportation and other cancer-related initiatives. For more information about Relay For Life or to make a donation to Friday’s event, contact Hodge at 443-497-1198.
