NE Montana Relay for Life Set for August 14-15

Relay for Life is more than just an event. It's an experience. It's powerful. It's uplifting. It's HOPE.

The Relay began in May 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran around a track in Tacoma, Wash., for 24 hours. He ultimately raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society and inspired others to join the movement. To date, Relay for Life has raised over $5 billion to fight cancer. Northeast Montana's Relay for Life will be held at the Valley County fairgrounds in Glasgow beginning August 14 at 7 p.m. and continuing until 9 a.m. on August 15. Team registration and survivor registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the survivor dinner scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. Survivors are encouraged to contact Doris Ozark with any questions at 406-230-0663.

Each year, Relay for Life invites cancer survivors to share their experiences with the community. This year, Carol Neufeld will be speaking at the survivor dinner, and Megan Shaefer will share her experience during the opening ceremonies. You can expect entertainment, activities, and music throughout the event. In addition to various food vendors, a midnight meal and a Saturday morning breakfast will be provided.

The always inspirational and moving luminaria ceremony will be held at 10:00 p.m. Friday. The luminaria ceremony is traditionally held after dark. Candles are lit inside personalized bags and placed around the walking area and are meant to honor, remember, and support those affected by cancer. It will literally and figuratively cast a light on cancer's menacing touch. I am confident that every reader knows at least one person who has been touched by cancer. Luminaria forms can be picked up at multiple locations around town, including the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. For questions, contact Jamie Seyfert at 406-230-0137 or mail your completed forms to 109 Kilty Drive, Glasgow, MT 59230. For team members tasked with staying awake throughout the night, the fan favorite Amazing Race begins at 2:00 a.m. To wind down from the marathon of fun, or to gather yourself for the day ahead, participants are invited to join Toni Marie Lagree from the Yoga Wellness Center Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. for an instructional yoga class. Closing ceremonies for the annual event are scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

It's not too late to join the fight. If you want to register a team, contact Andi Buckley at 406-478-4117. If you've never attended a Relay for Life event, mark your calendar for August 14 and 15 and plan to attend.