April 4, 2014 at 3:28 p.m.
A reason to relay
Local businesses needed to help finish the fight against cancer
A reason to relay
Many options for corporate sponsorship are available, including forming a team at the local event; providing in-kind donations of goods; purchasing event sponsor signs for track display; encouraging employees to volunteer at events; and collecting donations at places of business.
"One in every 100 Americans participates in this fundraising event that has become a global phenomenon," said Angela Harris, chairperson of the 2014 Rhinelander Relay for Life event. "Everything we do at Relay For Life contributes to reducing cancer mortality and incidences, whether it's raising dollars that support free patient programs and services, research or volunteering to commit to advocacy and education efforts - we're all a part of the fight and we need the community's help. We are grateful to Marshfield Clinic and Ministry Health Care who have already committed to support our efforts through their major corporate level sponsorships."
In Rhinelander/Oneida County and more than 5,200 other communities around the globe, Relay For Life unites people to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease. Relay for Life, the world's largest grassroots fundraising movement, continues to grow as tens of thousands of people will participate in Relay events across Wisconsin.
Harris participates in Relay for Life for deeply personal reasons that will resonate with many of our community members.
"I became involved in Relay many years ago in just a small way here and there," she said. "Then in May 2011, my world was turned upside down when my mother, my best friend, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer." Harris's family was told they should say their goodbyes and enjoy the little time they had left, likely less than six months. While her mother faced her journey with dignity and courage, the family watched on in amazement and admiration. "After battling for nearly 18 months, my mother went on to be with her Lord, on Oct. 31, 2012," said Harris who is grateful for the medical advances in cancer treatment and care that allowed them to make many more memories and have more cherished time together than originally promised. "That is why I wholeheartedly support the Relay For Life. I am grateful for the time I had with my mom, but I wish I had more. I want to make a difference so another family doesn't have to hear the words they or a loved one has cancer, and doesn't have to say goodbye too early."
Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at a high school athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the night, to signify that cancer never sleeps. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsites during Relay. Relay For Life brings together families, friends, businesses, hospitals, schools, and faith-based groups - people from all walks of life - all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society's efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.
If you or your company would like to help the American Cancer Society achieve its mission of saving lives, call (715) 277-4392 or visit RelayForLife.org/RhinelanderWI.
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