The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a family-friendly team event for all ages which Celebrates those who have survived cancer; Remembers those who have lost the battle with cancer; provides an opportunity to Fight Back against cancer through education, advocacy, and fundraising. If one has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, the American Cancer Society is there to assist the decision-making process.
With funds raised from the Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society provides
- 24 hour access to information about cancer at www.cancer.org
- a 24 hour phone line at 1-800-ACS-2345
- rides to cancer treatments through volunteers in Road to Recovery
- lodging if the required treatments are a long distance from your home
- wigs for those patients in need
- support groups, such as Reach to Recovery for breast cancer survivors
- Look Good, Feel Better sessions to assist with appearance-related effects of treatment
- educational materials
- wellness programs offered to businesses
- patient navigation services within large hospitals.
The Planning Committee of the Relay For Life in Whiteside County has given much thought to the event over the past years and its being an overnight event. Members listened to what the participants said.
Therefore, the first change is that the 2015 event will terminate at midnight. The event is set for Saturday evening, June 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, at Rock Falls, IL, High School Hinders Field. There will be activities for those who arrive to set up campsites from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., especially activities for children. The official event start–the Survivor Opening Lap--will still be at 6:00.
A second change is that Bank Night is to be the primary collection date for team and participant fundraising. The date is Wednesday, May 27, at US Bank in Rock Falls, IL, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Only those participants who have turned in by that date the minimum of $100 will be presented with the event T-shirt. Fundraising monies may be sent to the Rockford Office at 4312 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108-2163 at any time. The website also allows for direct payment electronically around the clock.
The third change is that Team Captain meetings are to be limited in number. Most of the communication with Team Captains will be completed electronically or through phone calls or mailings. Anyone wishing to become a Team Captain may do so online at www.relayforlife.org/Whitesideil. Teams may be of any size, but usually are 8 to 15 persons of any age. Attendance at the actual Relay For Life is not mandatory, should the date be a conflict.
The Kick-Off event is planned for Saturday, February 28, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with an Open House at Froggy’s, 212 W. Second Street, Rock Falls, IL. Bands will be donating their time, hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a cover charge of $5 per person will be collected at the door. The flyer and publicity will be available soon. Past or future participants will come to find out more about the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, and to register online during this time, while enjoying music and social time with other Whiteside Relayers.
The 2015 Relay For Life Survivor Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 2. More Information will be released in May.
Participants of Relay For Life will not pay a fee to register this year. To register online one needs to visit the website of www.relayforlife.org/Whitesideil. Paper registration forms will be available at financial institutions in the County soon. Anyone may contact the American Cancer Society Rockford, IL, office at 815-229-1287, to request a paper form or to receive assistance in registration .
If you have questions about Relay For Life in Whiteside County, please contact either Russ Siefken at 815-625-7973 or Betty Clementz at 815-336-2305.