Ready, Set, Relay

Upland residents, cancer survivors, health care givers, students, and business and community leaders will gather for the Eighth Annual Upland Relay For Life on June 12 at 9 a.m. at Magnolia Park at 15th Street and San Antonio Avenue, Upland. Relay For Life is the 24-hour signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. The funds raised are used to further American Cancer Society’s mission of “eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service”. In 2009 Upland RFL raised over $50,000 for ACS programs, this year the goal is $52,000. The theme for the Upland RFL is “A World with More Birthdays”.

The Upland RFL will begin on June 12 at 9 a.m. with a Celebration Ceremony and the cheering on of our cancer survivors during the Survivor’s Lap, the first lap of the Relay For Life. Throughout the day as survivors, caregivers and team members walk the track there will be music, dancing, team raffles and a birthday party. Then at 9 p.m. we will pause for our candlelight Luminaria ceremony, this is a time to remember those who have fought the cancer battle. Upland resident Frances Ladner will speak about her family’s many battles with cancer followed by the Luminaria lap. The Luminaria lap will be lead by bagpipers from the UHS Pipe Band. And at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning Relayers will recommit to fighting cancer everyday during the Fight Back Ceremony.

There is a $10 registration fee for this event which is open to the public.