The American Cancer Society Joins Forces with Township of Clark, NJ at Relay for Life to be Held on June 10th

Clark, NJ, June 05, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The American Cancer Society is extending an invitation to residents of Union County and surrounding communities to join them for a twelve-hour, overnight party to celebrate cancer survivorship and hope at the fourth annual Relay For Life of Clark, NJ.

This combination camp-out, party, remembrance ceremony and walk-a-thon, is symbolic to cancer survivors all over the world who have now become part of “a world with more birthdays.”

The rain-or-shine event will be held on Friday, June 10, 2011 at Arthur L. Johnson High School, 365 Westfield Avenue, Clark, New Jersey. Registration/Check-In opens at 4 pm. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 pm. The Relay will continue through the night ending at 6 am the following morning.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event and is unlike any typical fundraising walk. It's a unique opportunity for all members of the community to make a difference in the fight against cancer while celebrating life, hope for the future, and a world with less cancer. Relay For Life is a place for people to come together, to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who lost their battle with this devastating disease. This life-changing event not only raises donations for the American Cancer Society, but raises awareness by educating the community in ways to effectively fight back against cancer.

During the twelve-hour celebration, individuals and teams camp-out and picnic, while walking or running around a track "relay" style. Each team tries to have a representative on the track at all times for the duration of the event. Contributions collected at Relay For Life of Clark support research, education, advocacy and patient services.

Last year, close to 1300 participants at the Clark Relay raised $227,076 in donations. Relay For Life of Clark was one of the “Top Ten Relays” in the state of New Jersey in 2010. In 2009 and 2010, the Clark event featured the “Most Survivors to Pack The Track” in the New Jersey Metro Region. Last year, 205 survivors walked side-by-side during the opening Survivor Celebration Lap.

Despite the troubled economy, ACS Volunteers are hopeful that the 2011 event will be equally as successful as last year. Most donations are collected and submitted to the American Cancer Society in the weeks prior to the event. This can be done online, by regular mail, or at the registration area on the day of the event. Pre-registration is suggested, but last minute participants can sign-up at the event.

Cancer Survivors are considered special guests and are invited to celebrate their triumph during the Opening Ceremonies, beginning at 6:00 pm. The walk begins with the "Survivor Celebration Lap," which is a truly uplifting experience. Survivors united, proudly walk the track in the company of dozens of other survivors, a reminder to all that no one has to experience cancer alone. Survivors are then joined by their caregivers, and very quickly, the festivities begin around the track with family members and friends joining in.

The most meaningful part of each Relay For Life event is the Luminaria Ceremony, which takes place at nightfall. During this emotional ceremony, volunteers and participants light thousands of candles, each one representing the life of an individual who has been touched by cancer. The candles illuminate the perimeter of the track and guide walkers during a "silent lap." This is a time to remember and reflect on those who lost their battle to cancer and to honor the lives of survivors who continue their personal fight each day. The candles are left burning throughout the night to signify the importance of community support and of each individual’s involvement in Relay For Life.

Entertainment and activities are scheduled throughout the night, featuring music from acoustic rock band Backyard Heroes. Raffles, mini-fundraisers, and a “Relay Store” will be open to raise additional funds at the event. There will be games and contests for kids and adults of all ages.

Relay participants can become empowered by learning to effectively battle cancer by joining the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network (“ACS CAN”). ACS supports the belief that everyone should have fair and equal access to quality medical care. ACS CAN makes a direct impact on decisions regarding legislation and funding for disease prevention and early detection. For information on The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, visit the Mission & Advocacy Tent from 4 pm to 9:30 pm.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Clark, contact: Christina Andrascik - ACS Director of Special Events at 973-232-2573, email: christina.andrascik@cancer.org , or visit the web at www.relayforlife.org/clarknj .

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