Relay for Life a global movement

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraising walk. It is a global movement that celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, honors loved ones and helps fund the future of cancer research and care.

Money raised from Relay directly supports members of the community by funding breakthrough research, 24/7 support for people with cancer, access to lifesaving screenings and more.

The American Cancer Society has helped make almost every major cancer breakthrough since 1946 possible. The Cancer Society is currently funding innovative researchers working to find more treatment options, uncover potential cancer-causing factors and improve the quality of life for people facing cancer.

Mult-cancer blood tests are in development by research scientists.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the Cancer Society. Cancer Action Network is urging Congress to make these blood tests available to those on Medicare once the tests are FDA-approved and shown to have clinical benefits.

The Benton County Relay For Life to support the American Cancer Society set for Sunday, June 2, from 6-10 p.m. at the Benton Community High School track in Van Horne.

Activities include games, trivia questions with for prizes and luminaria. A concession stand will be available and DJ music will accompany the continual relay walking.

From 5:45-6:30 p.m., survivors can sign up for free T-shirts. Opening ceremonies will take place at 6 p.m. Guest speaker Dr. Christopher Stipp from the Iowa Carver College of Medicine will speak at 6:15.

At 7 p.m., a survivors’ ceremony and lap will begin. A frozen T-shirt is set for 7:30 p.m. and lunimaria will be lit at 9 p.m.

Relay events across the country will light luminaria — small, decorated paper bags illuminated from within. Each one represents a life and shines in remembrance, hope or triumph.

Luminaria can be purchased at the Relay or ahead of the Relay by contacting Ev Wiebke at 319-228-8348 or 319-350-8974.