It is not often that you see nearly 50 local community residents gathered together in the same location. It is even less often that all of those people might be wearing some form of purple and were all gathered for the very same reason. If you happened to arrive at Bounce U in Horsham on Nov. 29 though, that is the sight that would have met your eyes.

Nearly 50 people rallied on that week night to kick off the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The rally officially launched the 14th Annual Relay For Life of Eastern Montgomery County which will be coming to Hatboro- Horsham High School on June 14, 2013.

Guests at the rally were welcomed by committee members including Stephanie Sauers-Boyd of Willow Grove, Relay For Life chairperson and Jennifer Wisniewski of Hatboro, Relay for Life cochair. Rally participants learned about how their involvement in the nationwide movement benefits the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives and create more birthdays. Money raised will help people stay well and get well by finding cures and fighting back. Charlie Lamenia, cancer survivor, committee member, and one of our longest relayers in the community also spoke at the event about his battle with cancer, how ACS helped him, and why he would never miss the Relay for Life of Eastern Montgomery County!

Relay For Life is a unique, volunteer-driven, community event that welcomes participants from all walks of life to join together in the fight against cancer. Past participants have included cancer survivors, families, friends, caregivers, corporations, civic organizations, schools, religious groups, and concerned community members, along with anyone else who has been touched by cancer or wants to fight against the disease. Relay For Life is an overnight celebration where individuals and teams camp out, picnic, dance, play games and take turns circling around a track “relay” style.  The event begins as cancer survivors walk in a “survivor lap” around the track to celebrate their victory over cancer.  Later, as the sun begins to set, participants light hundreds of luminaria candles to pay tribute to those lost to the disease during the emotional Luminaria Ceremony.  

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Eastern Montgomery County will be held at Hatboro-Horsham High School stadium on June 14. To find out how to form a Relay For Life team or to volunteer, please call Erin Lapidus, the event’s American Cancer Society staff partner at 1-888-202-1487 x 65121, visit relayforlife.org/paemc, or email the event chair at relayforlifesteph@gmail.com. 

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