The Relay for Life of Greene County will have a new daytime format this year but the luminaria will be there just as in other years.
Luminaria remembering cancer survivors and those who lost the fight against cancer will hang along the railing of the suspended walking track at the Greene County Community Center. The luminarias will be lit and names of those honored will be read in a quiet, thoughtful ceremony at 2 pm; the only difference will be the daylight.
Shirley Stapleton has chaired the luminaria committee for the past several years, receiving the pre-event requests, designing and creating luminaria, and rallying volunteers to make, hang and light the 80 to 100 luminaria at the Relay.
According to Stapleton, there are several options for luminaria. Persons who order luminaria before the Relay can suggest a theme or send along photos she will incorporate as she creates them. Persons can request undecorated bags from her and then decorate their own and bring or send them to the Relay, or persons can come to the Relay prepared to create their own there. “I really like it when people do their own because it’s more personal,” she said, but she’ll have a crew at the Relay to make luminaria for those who are creatively reluctant.
Some luminaria are re-used from year to year. At the close of the Relay, those who have purchased luminaria are welcome to take them home. Stapleton keeps those that are left behind and files them for retrieval the next year. “There are families that have a tradition of honoring their loved ones with luminaria, and this just helps that tradition,” Stapleton said.
For the first time, luminaria order forms are posted online at the Relay for Life of Greene County website. (Click on the ad/link posted on GreeneCountyNewsOnline, or click here https://greenecountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/RFL-Luminaria-Order.pdf.) Forms can be printed and then mailed to Stapleton at the address provided with a check payable to “American Cancer Society.”
“We’re excited to have the order form online because it makes it so easy for people who don’t live in Greene County to participate in the Relay and honor a loved one,” Stapleton said. “We know there are people who want to support the cause but can’t be with us in person April 26. But they can be with us by dedicating luminarias.”
Persons who want more information or to order luminarias can call Stapleton at 515-386-2804.
The Relay for Life of Greene County is slated for Saturday, April 26, beginning at 9:30 am at the Greene County Community Center. Survivors and caregivers will walk a block at 10:20 to start a 5K Color Out Cancer run/walk. Watch for a complete schedule or visit the Relay for Life website.
All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society in its efforts in patient care and advocacy, education and research.
