Carry the torch for cancer

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Relay for Life is a unique event offering everyone the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. It represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those fighting cancer will be supported and one day cancer will be conquered.

Relay for Life is a fun, overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer and raises much-needed funds to fight cancer. The event is volunteer driven and community owned. During the Relay, a team of up to 20 friends, neighbours, colleagues or families commit to keeping at least one member walking the track at all times because cancer never sleeps. Each team submits a commitment fee of R1 000 (R500 commitment fee + R300 for a tent and chairs + R200 for 20 Luminaria bags).

All the funds raised is donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa to support their prevention, education, early detection, advocacy and patient care programmes. Teams set up camp around the track. The Relay for Life event opens with a moving survivor’s lap of honour followed by a lap in honour of the caregivers. After sunset the candles are lit in the Luminaria bags that encircle the track.
Everyone gathers around to pay tribute and remember those lost to cancer, support those fighting cancer and rejoice with those who have fought the disease and won.

Throughout the evening and the next day, everyone enjoys entertainment, fun and camaraderie in a festival like atmosphere.
Each community’s Relay is special and is part of a national and international movement in the fight against cancer. The Relay this year is an 18-hour event, starting on Saturday, September 5 at 3pm and ending on Sunday, September 6 at 9am.