Help Fight Cancer with a Special Event

Submitted Press Release

Sawyer County Relay for Life

Calling all churches, healthcare organizations, businesses, community groups or individuals:  Your help is needed to help fight cancer!

Relay For Life of Sawyer County co-chairs Kym Kirk and Joan Ackerman announced they are looking for partners to join First Lutheran Church in Hayward and the Chequamegon Lions to grow the Light the Night for a Cure event. Ackerman stated that cancer has impacted each of us in some way and we can each make a difference by getting involved in the fight against cancer. Light the Night for a Cure is an outdoor event which includes a lit ski loop, luminaria-lit snowshoe trail, walkable dedicated luminaria reflection loop, bonfire, and hot cocoa. Light the Night will be held on Sunday, February 2nd from 4:30 to 6:30pm at OO Trailhead in Hayward. 

Kirk indicated the ways to help include increasing participation through promotion and by pre-selling and decorating dedicated luminaria. Luminaria order forms and luminaria bags would be provided. Kirk stated there are additional volunteer opportunities to help with set up or clean up at the event. Ackerman and Kirk are requesting groups consider partnering with them this year to show their members their support in battling this disease which has affected so many of us. If you join soon, groups will receive the materials needed to get started and your group will be added to the promotional materials.  Those interested in partnering should email relayforlifeofsawyercounty@gmail.com to receive more information.

Ackerman stated this is the 6th year of Light the Night for a Cure. Last year we had over 300 lit luminaria dedicated to individuals impacted by cancer and displayed in the shape of a large cancer ribbon. This is a special way to commemorate the courage and perseverance of cancer survivors and those battling cancer and to remember those who have passed as family and friends walk around the luminaria ribbon and reflect. It is a very moving event since each luminaria reflects a person with cancer and the experience will leave an impact on everyone who attends. 

The snowshoe trail has an additional 350 luminaria lighting the wooded half mile trail. Each bag is decorated with motivational messages decorated by a group of volunteers from Stone Lake led by Barb Peterson. The messages are fun and encouraging and the trail through the woods actually glows. Snowshoe or hiking poles are recommended. 

Kirk noted that, as in the past, the space near OO Johnson Center will have a bonfire for socializing and warming up after walking the dedication area or snowshoeing or skiing the trails. Hot cocoa will also be available!

The cost is only $10 per person to attend Light the Night to experience the dedicated luminaria area, luminaria lit snowshoe trail or ski the lit trail sections, bonfire and hot cocoa. Those wishing to dedicate a luminaria to be on display can fill out a dedication form for $10 per bag. This is a beautiful event that provides family fun as well as builds cancer awareness while raising money to fight cancer. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to provide groundbreaking research, educate on prevention and early detection, and be a resource to those battling cancer with answers and support. Together we DO make a difference!

Mark your calendar to attend on February 2nd and contact Joan Ackerman or Kym Kirk, co-chairs Relay For Life of Sawyer County at relayforlifeofsawyercounty@gmail.com Please show your support and join Light the Night for a Cure!