Published: June 02, 2008 11:58 am      

Luminaria a cherished tradition at Relay

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series focusing on Relay For Life events.

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — With Relay For Life events scheduled to kick off this coming weekend, the Jefferson County Relay For Life encourages the public to honor cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle to the disease.

As one in a series of events for Relay For Life, the Luminaria Lighting Ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. Friday at Veterans Park, according to co-chair Teresa McIlrath.

Luminaria — candles and sand in white bags — will line the walking track at the park.

“[Luminaria] is a very spiritual and emotional moment,” McIlrath commented, “and each candle represents someone that has fought the battle with cancer.”

Members of the community can purchase a luminaria for a $5 donation in the name of an individual. These names will be written on luminaria bags. “It’s a very easy way to honor someone who has fought the battle and, by inviting the community out, is just a small way the community can take up the fight against cancer,” McIlrath explained.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity, information states. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

For more information on luminaria, the ceremony or Relay For Life, contact Jefferson County co-chairpersons McIlrath at 242-5117 or Susan Fox at 204-9560, or contact the American Cancer Society at 998-9898. To participate in the Luminaria Lighting Ceremony by purchasing or selling luminaria, see McIlrath or Fox for a form with checks payable to ACS. Forms and money can be sent to 17436 E. Illinois Highway 142, Opdyke, IL 62872 or ACS office, 4503 W. DeYoung, Suite 200 C, Marion, IL 62959.