Relay for Life to honor cancer survivors

Lip sync, cupcake, Mr. Relay contests planned

More than 200 people representing 20 teams have signed up to walk around the clock in the battle against cancer during this Saturday’s Relay for Life.

Participants could reach as many as 500 people, including survivors, caregivers and family who historically attend the event without registering, said Relay Co-chair Nancy Zeringue.

This year’s relay theme is “One Wish, Two Wish, You Wish, I Wish for a Cure” based on books by Dr. Seuss.

“We really try to have something for everyone – the whole family,” said Zeringue, who has been involved with the event for 12 years. “We’re trying to make this a community-centered event and get the word out. We want to reflect on how many people have been touched by cancer and celebrate those members of our community.”

The event will begin Saturday at noon at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling and end at midnight.

Zeringue said this year’s event has a new twist with local major bands, as well the new addition of a lip sync battle, which she hopes will draw lively, creative contestants.

The band lineup includes DJ James, noon to 2:30 p.m.; Topcats, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; the Master’s Touch Drumline, 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Rock ‘n Soul, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and DJ Fish, 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

Additional Relay activities will include a wings competition at 1 p.m., cupcake war at 1:30 p.m., and lip sync battle and more. Proceeds benefit the Society’s mission of fighting cancer. The Mr. Relay womanless beauty contest will be held at 10:30 p.m.

Relay Co-chair Jan Landry added, “We’re looking forward to having all the folks of St. Charles Parish come and visit with us. We’ll have plenty of good food.”

Landry, also a cancer survivor, said her heart goes out to everyone who is suffering, as well as the caregivers who offer so much help.

A Luminaria ceremony will be held at 8:30 p.m. to honor the community’s cancer survivors and to remember those lost to the disease. Survivors will circle the track rimmed with glowing luminary while the names of survivors, those fighting cancer and those who have died due to cancer are read aloud.

“Once people come out and experience a Luminaria ceremony they will really understand what it’s all about,” Zeringue said. “It’s all about why we work so hard and what our fundraising is all about.”

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a family-oriented fundraiser where participants walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track. Teams include coworkers, club members, family members and friends who have gathered donations prior to the event.

Admission to the relay is free and open to the public.Funds raised at Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families. Funds also support critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Last year’s event in the parish raised $90,000 for the fight against cancer.

 

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