By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER – Managing editor
One of the cornerstones of Relay for Life is the luminaria ceremony in which candles are placed in paper bags donning messages in honor and memory of those whose lives have been touched by cancer.
With Relay right around the corner, board members are working hard to gather names of those who fall into those categories. Each year, those who have survived cancer walk a lap around the glowing bags. Chairman Paula Gerety said that one of the biggest accomplishments of last year's event was the survivor participation.
At the last team captain's meeting this week, she said she wants to focus on not only getting people to donate money to purchase a luminaria, but she wants the survivors to rejoice in the event as well.
Each donation helps fund the American Cancer Society's fight against the disease. The suggested donation for each luminaria is $5. Forms are availablefrom Relay team member or board members.
This year's Relay event will be held March 18 and is expected to last 18 hours. So far, 16 teams have signed on. That number is up by six teams from last year's event.
Relay board members will hold a survivor luncheon at the pavilion near the YMCA, weather permitting.
Brewton's Relay goal this year is $58,000.