Relay for Life is upon us again as one the largest fundraising events in the country brings awareness to one of the nation’s biggest killers: cancer.
Every year both the state and local Relay for Life committees establish goals to raise money for research and assistance. Fallon, like other communities in this state, sets out to make cancer Public Enemy No. 1.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s annual fight against this disease. For every 100,000 people, approximately 321 individual dies from cancer each year, compared to 214 for heart-related deaths. Automobile-related deaths account for 15.5 deaths per 100,000.
Since the kickoff in late 2013, different teams and organizations have been engaged in fundraising events. This month for example, Kaia F.I.T. conducted a yard sale and bunco party to raise money for this year’s events.
Just this week, Stockman’s hosted a “Survivor’s Dinner” for those who have been cancer free for a specific period of time. The survivors have a major role in opening this year’s 2014 Relay for Life at the Churchill County High School.
Relay for Life begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday with the survivor lap and continues until early Sunday morning at the CCHS track.
Those who have had cancer or know of people who have had or died from cancer participate in walking around the track.
Furthermore, people can buy luminary bags, which are decorated bags with names of people who have suffered from cancer. Organizers said the fundraising has been challenging this year because of the economy, but they hope they can significantly add to their current total by Sunday.
We commend the hundreds of people who will participate in Relay for Life this weekend at the high school and the thousands of people in Churchill County who have donated to this most worthwhile cause to fight cancer.
Prior to the Relay for Life, the city has a full day planned to honor Nevada as the Silver State approaches its sesquicentennial. Hometown Heroes kicks off the day’s activities with the community’s opportunity to meet and interact with athletes from Fallon who have been stars on either the national or world stage. A fun run and other activities have been planned for the day.
Furthermore, at the Old Fallon Post Office, a dedication of the sesquicentennial postal stamp occurs with dignitaries saying a few words about the stamp and the event. Later, visitors can ride on a Wells Fargo stagecoach and that night, attend a free convert at Oats Park.
Editorials are written by the LVN Editorial Board and appear on Wednesdays.