Features Editor

Relay for Life is a vibrant event. It brings out the best in people.

All of the Relay

teams enter into

friendly competitions in an effort to raise funds to help in the fight against cancer. In the process, there is time for fun and fellowship.

However, when the lights go out at Relay for Life 2001 on May 18, all voices will be stilled and all thoughts will turn inward to the heart.

At 9 p.m. on Relay night, the Luminary Ceremony will begin. The only lighting will come from the flickering luminary lights. The only sounds will be the reading of

the names of those who have survived their battles with cancer and those who fought so bravely but list the fight.

Of everything that is done during the Relay for Life campaign, the Luminary Ceremony is the most meaningful and most moving, said Shelby Brown, luminary chairperson.

"It is a time to remember and a time to rejoice."

"When everything is quiet and dark and you hear the names of loved ones read, it is very touching," Brown said. "We do ask that everyone stop whatever they are doing and join the walk during the luminary ceremony or just sit quietly. It is a reverent time."

The luminaries are a way to pay tribute to those whose lives have been invaded by cancer.

"We want to remember, honor and support our loved ones," Brown said. "Luminaries are a visible and meaningful way to do that."

Brown said luminaries can be purchased in the amount of $5 (white), $15 (silver) and $25 (gold).

"There is no difference in the luminaries except the amount of contribution you want to make," she said. "All of the luminaries will surround the track area and all will be lit for the ceremony."

In the past, luminaries were purchased in honor or memory of a loved one. However, this year a new emphasis has been added.

"Luminaries may be purchased in support of someone who is undergoing treatment for cancer," Brown said. "Until this year, we didn’t have a way to specifically recognize those who are undergoing treatment.

By adding ‘support’ luminaries, we can do that and we wanted to do that. Their names will also be read during the Luminary Ceremony."  

Those who want to purchase a luminary may do so at Troy Bank & Trust or at The Messenger

office or by mailing in the Luminary form printed in The Messenger.

Those who would like to have the name of their loved one listed in the Memorials or Honorariums in the Special Edition of The Messenger

May 16, may do so by adding $2 to their contribution.

May 11 is the deadline to purchase a Luminary for Relay for Life 2001.