The location for Saturday’s Clarion County Relay for Life has been moved to the Clarion University Recreation Center.
The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, was originally set to take place at the Clarion University stadium, but the threat of severe weather Saturday forced the move.
“We are so lucky to have such a caring community,” said Nikki Carey, community manager for the Relay. “We staffed the indoor event in an hour. I can’t thank everyone enough for helping make this possible,” Carey added.
The fund-raising goal of $24,600 has been exceeded.
“We have raised $34,800 so far,” Carey said. “Now we can celebrate, fight back and enjoy the day Saturday.”
The Relay will still include all previously planned activities with the exception of the inflatable obstacle course.
The event is open to people of all ages, Carey said. Registration will be open until the start of the Relay.
The survivor’s dinner has also been moved to the university recreation center and will begin as planned at 5:45 p.m.
So far, 17 teams and more than 220 people are registered.
“A team can be two people or 200 people. We really want to encourage the community to participate,” Carey said.
A member of each team must be walking on the track at all times throughout the 12 hours.
Others who aren’t part of a registered team at the event may also attend. There is no fee to participate.
All the teams work to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Some do this through financial sponsors who make donations based on the number of laps or miles team members walk. Other teams work all year to raise money through various fund-raisers.
The event will feature a survivor’s lap in which people who have survived cancer will be given the opportunity to take a lap around the track in celebration and in honor of their battle.
Caregivers also will be honored with a lap of their own, Carey said.
There will be a luminary ceremony to honor those who have been diagnosed or have lost their battle with cancer.
There also will be grief share support groups for those who have lost loved ones to cancer or know someone who is currently battling the disease.
A concession stand will be available for people to purchase meals, but teams may also take their own food. A photo booth will be available with souvenir photo strips available at no cost.
“The event makes for a great day with a great sense of community,” Carey said.
“Sadly, cancer affects all types of people. There’s no social or economic discrimination, so we’d love to have all types of people at the event,” Carey said.
Businesses in the area will show support by sponsoring purple banners on light posts this month as part of a Paint The Town Purple campaign.
Anyone who wants more information can contact Carey by telephone at (724) 834-9081, ext. 85289, or by email at nikki.carey@cancer.org.