May 16, 2008 — The American Cancer Society's 7th annual Relay for Life, its biggest nationwide fund-raising event, gets under way Saturday at the Educational Complex High School track.
Hundreds are expected to run or walk for 24 hours starting at 2 p.m. With a lineup of teams from the public and private sector, ACS appears to be on track to raise this year's goal of at least $200,000.
Innovation Communications spokeswoman Janette Millin Young said Friday that more than 40 employees are scheduled to take part. Innovative employees will also join in the annual Boy Scouts Royak Regatta at Chenay Bay as well as the Scouts' first Mini Golf tournament at Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino links this weekend.
Health Commissioner Vivian I. Ebbesen-Fludd is scheduled to lead a team of employees who have signed up to take part in the 24-hour relay, according to Patricia Canegata, human resources manager for the department.
As usual, members of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute on St. Thomas are expected to make the trip to St. Croix to take part. Once the relay begins, each team that signed up must keep at least one person on the track into Sunday.
For many, it will be a lot more than getting through a lap on the track.
Relay for Life also will be held on St. Thomas in June. While some residents walk and head home, others pitch tents, roll out camp gear and set up TVs and other comforts to make it a memorable occasion. Lots of food, including snacks, fruits and plenty of thirst-quenching drinks are available staple during the 24-hour relay.
One of the most moving moments of the relay, however, is the candlelight vigil for survivors and those who lost their battle with cancer.
As is customary, all of the funds raised on island will go to helping cancer patients defray travel costs because since St. Croix does not have a cancer institute and residents must travel off island for care.
Sponsors of this year's relay are Sunny Isle Development, Hovensa, Weisner Development, St. Croix Clinical Lab, Valance USA, and Cruzan Rum.
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