About Relay For Life
CANSA Relay For Life is part of an international movement that unites cancer survivors and the communities that care about them. It offers everyone in a community, both young and old, the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer and to honour those who have been touched by cancer. It is an opportunity for SURVIVORS and their loved ones to fight against cancer together.
Relay For Life is a fun, overnight team event, which is volunteer-driven and community owned.
At Relay, teams of 10-15 friends, neighbours, families and co-workers commit to having at least one team member walking around the track at all times for 18-24 hours, because cancer neither slumbers nor sleeps.
The Relay For Life event opens with a heartfelt Survivors’ Lap, honouring cancer survivors and their caregivers.
After sun set, tribute is paid in a very emotive Luminaria Ceremony by lighting candles inside luminaria bags which encircle the track. These luminaria bags are dedicated to those who have the lost their battle, to those who are still fighting and to those who have won their struggle against cancer.
Teams are encouraged to raise funds in support of the fight against cancer in the region where the Relay is being held. Teams camp out overnight around the track and enjoy entertainment, fun and camaraderie in a festival-like atmosphere.