Join the Commemoration, Honor the Departed, and Unite Against Cancer
YUMA, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – The Relay For Life event in Yuma County cordially invites all acquaintances and relatives to participate in the gathering on Saturday, March 16 at Desert Sun Stadium. The primary aim is to raise awareness about cancer survivors, patients, and to pay homage to those who have succumbed to this dreadful ailment.
Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the event commences with survivor check-in at 10 a.m., followed by a poignant survivor and caregiver lap at 11:30 a.m.
Relay for Life stands out as the largest volunteer-driven fundraising initiative globally. For more than 36 years, communities worldwide have united to commemorate and cherish the memories of their loved ones while advocating for crucial advancements in cancer treatment.
Projections for 2024 anticipate over 2 million new cancer cases and in excess of 600,000 cancer-related fatalities in the United States, with Arizona expected to account for more than 13,000 cases.
Despite advancements in medical science, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S., following heart disease.
This year’s theme for Relay for Life in Yuma County is “Carnival for a Cure.”
Participation in the relay is free of charge, and registration can be completed in advance or on the day of the event. Amber Thornton from Relay for Life of Yuma County elaborates on the diverse fundraising activities that support the cause, ranging from restaurant takeovers to church events and relay raffles.
Apart from fundraising, the event offers a myriad of attractions including food stalls, merchandise sales, and engaging activities, all contributing to the noble cause.
Luminarias play a significant role in the relay, symbolizing the individuals impacted by cancer. These luminous bags, adorned with names and messages, serve as heartfelt tributes to those battling cancer, survivors, and caregivers.
A poignant moment unfolds after dusk when the luminarias are illuminated in honor of those affected by cancer, accompanied by a moment of silence to honor their resilience and spirit.
To secure the luminarias in place, a unique approach involving a canned food drive has been adopted, with the donated food items later benefiting the Community Food Bank.
Personal connections to the cause drive many to participate, as shared by Thornton, who recounts her family’s encounters with cancer, underscoring the deeply personal motivations behind the relay.
In 2023, Relay for Life of Yuma County raised over 91,000, with this year’s target set at 100,000, already surpassing $63,000 in donations.