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Third-annual event raises money to fight cancer
7 a.m. Team set up
9 a.m. National anthem, flag salute
10 a.m. Survivor ceremony and lap
11 a.m. Zumba Dance lesson
Noon: Funky hair laps
1 p.m. Slip and slide relay
2 p.m. Water balloon bra lap
3 p.m. Blue balls batting contest
4 p.m. Crazy hat contest
5 p.m. Road to recovery relay
6 p.m. Points for purple lap
7 p.m. Reverse the clock relay
8 a.m. Mr. Relay contest
9 p.m. Luminaria ceremony
10 p.m. DJ dance party
11 p.m. DJ dance party
12 a.m. Midnight madness laps
1 a.m. Pajama game laps
2 a.m. I love my country laps
3 a.m. Neon disco laps
5 a.m. Toga party laps
6 a.m. Bright eyed, bushy tailed laps
7 a.m. Good morning sunshine contest
9 a.m. Fight back ceremony
10 a.m. Break down/clean up
The nationally recognized cancer fundraiser known as Relay of Life is set to make its third annual run in Willows on Saturday.
The American Cancer Society event will be round-the-clock action at the Willows High School track.
Last year, teams raised more than $61,000, said Chairwoman Kristina Hutson.
"Our goal this year is $69,000," Hutson said. "Our teams have been out there fundraising, and they've got a lot of great ideas to raise money at the event."
Relay for Life is a 24-hour noncompetitive relay and walk-a-thon, which provides participants an opportunity to help fight against the disease, while honoring survivors and remembering loved ones lost.
Hutson said seeing cancer survivors take the first lap is a touching ceremony and rewarding to watch.
"It's pretty cool to see all the survivors," she said.
After the opening ceremony, individuals and teams will run or walk, with someone from the group filling out each segment of the 24-hour period.
"You don't have to be on a team to participate," Hutson said. "The public is encouraged to come down and walk with us as much as they want. All they have to do is sign a waiver at the front gate."
Hutson said spectators who do not want to walk are also encouraged to come down and join the fun, as there will be activities and booths for the public to enjoy.
There will be a crazy hat contest, batting contest and many wild activities to fill out the 24 hours, including the toga party laps and neon disco laps.
"I like the events in the middle of the night that keep us energized," Hutson said.
Hutson said fighting the disease and raising awareness has become something of a personal mission for her, as she has two close friends undergoing chemotherapy.
About 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States each year, according to a 2009 American Cancer Society estimate, and about 1.5 million new cases will be diagnosed this year.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the largest fundraising event in the country, and has more than 3,000 communities raising money to find the cure, according to the American Cancer Society.
"We have to fight this," Hutson said. "If this is the only way we can fight it, then this is what we are going to do."
