Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Event 

Title:
Relay For Life Comes to Turf Paradise
When:
04.22.2017 
Where:
Turf Paradise - Phoenix
Category:
Charity/Benefit Events

Description

American Cancer Society signature fundraising event takes the track to save lives from cancer.

For the first time, the American Cancer Society will hold their signature fundraising event, Relay For Life, at the iconic Turf Paradise Race Course on Saturday, April 22. The event opens with cancer survivors and their caregivers being honored and celebrated through the Survivor Lap. The event includes a Luminaria Ceremony to remember those lost to cancer, as well as entertainment, before concluding with a Closing ceremony.

The event begins at 12 p.m. by celebrating everyone affected by cancer. Whether someone is newly diagnosed or cancer-free for 10 years, survivors gather together for the crowd to cheer them on as they lead the first lap. Their strength is honored with each step they take. Because caring for others is such a selfless act, the Caregiver lap follows. They often walk with the person they've supported through their cancer journey, and then Relay For Life has officially begun. During Relay For Life events, members of each team take turns walking or running around the track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.At 6:15 p.m., a Luminaria Ceremony will take place to honor loved ones lost to cancer. This powerful moment gives people the opportunity to grieve but also offers hope and comfort. Relay For Life of Turf Paradise will end at 7 p.m. with a Closing Ceremony that acknowledges accomplishments made together and recognizes the steps we still have yet to take to save lives from cancer.

“This is our community’s opportunity to help save lives by taking action to move us closer to a world free from the pain and suffering of cancer,” said Danielle Downs, American Cancer Society senior manager for Relay For Life. “Funds raised from our event helps the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing cancer, and funds cancer research that will help protect future generations.”“Turf Paradise has been serving Arizona for more than 61 years and understands the importance of giving back. We are honored to be hosting this event,” said Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia.

Visit RelayForLife.org/TurfParadiseAZ to learn more about the event. Relay For Life events take place throughout Phoenix in Spring and Fall. To find a Relay For Life event in your community, visit relayforlife.org.

About the American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 25 percent decline in the cancer death rate in the U.S. since 1991, driven by less smoking, better treatments, and earlier detection. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org.

About Turf Paradise: Turf Paradise, located at 19th Ave. and Bell is Arizona’s first sports franchise and has been providing live local horseracing to fans for 61 seasons. The season concludes May 7th and resumes in October. For more information go to www.TurfParadise.com.