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RELAY FOR LIFE 2017
“Walking together for 24
hours against cancer”
The Relay for Life organized by
the International
Community of Belgium
will take place
from Saturday, June
17 at 14:00 to Sunday, June 18 at 13:30
at St. John’s International School
Drève Richelle 146 –1410 Waterloo
Access: Rue Champ du Roussart
What
is a Relay for Life?
Relay
for Life is a festive and inspiring 24-hour event during which the
community stands in solidarity with those affected by cancer and raises
funds in support of patient care and research in Belgium.
During
24 hours, participating teams and volunteers are mobilized to:
• celebrate the lives of cancer survivors;
• remember loved ones lost to the disease and
• fight back by raising awareness and funds.
Relay
for Life events took place for the first time more than 30 years ago and
are now organized in over 20 countries. In Belgium, the first Relay
for Life took place in 2011; in 2017, there will be many events
throughout the country. All funds raised are donated to the Belgian
Foundation against Cancer/Fondation contre le Cancer/Stichting tegen Kanker
and are used to finance cancer research, to support local cancer patients
and their families and to develop awareness programs.
During
a Relay for Life, team members of all ages take turns walking, running,
strolling or dancing around a track for 24 hours. It is not a race, but an
invitation to go beyond one’s limit to show support to those affected by
the disease.
Why
24 hours?
A
Relay for Life lasts 24 hours to signify that cancer never sleeps. For
cancer patients, the fight does not stop because they are tired. For one
night, relay participants do not stop either.
During
the 24 hours, participants and visitors enjoy live entertainment, wellness,
and sport activities, etc. Food and refreshments are on offer
throughout. A raffle is also organized with the opportunity to win superb
prizes.
Celebrate,
remember and fight back:
3 keywords during
those 24 hours
The Opening
Ceremony. The Survivors, those who have overcome
cancer or who are still undergoing treatment, are invited to walk the first
lap. For the second lap, they are joined by the Caregivers, who have given
them support during their battle against cancer.
The Luminaria
Ceremony. After dark, candles are lit around the
track to honor loved ones lost to the disease. Each light is a sign of
memory, consolation and hope. Participants are invited to walk a lap in
silence.
The Closing
Ceremony pays
tribute to all that have made the Relay for Life event possible. All
participants and volunteers walk the final lap together.
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