Relay for Life 2019. {courtesy}
By: Sharon Aron Baron
Each year the Relay for Life Parkland Coral Springs, Margate, and Coconut Creek invites residents to share in the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event uniting over 2.5 million participants globally.
This year, they’ll hold theirs on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at the Sportsplex at Coral Springs.
“Our theme is ‘Imagine a World Without Cancer,’” said event co-lead Megan Mila. “Over 60 teams and more than 500 participants will join together to raise funds and awareness to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer.”
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, Relay For Life events around the world have raised nearly $6.5 billion to help the American Cancer Society (ACS) attack cancer. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the Parkland and Coral Springs event lasts five hours and empowers the community to take a stand against cancer.
The March 7 event starts at 5:00 pm and takes place on the football field next to Coral Glades High School.
The ACS estimates that one out of three people in the US will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Funds raised help ACS fund and conduct breakthrough research, and give cancer patients and their families the resources they need, like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support. Last year’s Relay For Life of Parkland and Coral Springs raised more than $110,000 to help ACS save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
Event co-lead Mike Fiorello has been involved in Relay For Life for many years and now walks to remember his son Adam, who lost his battle with a rare pediatric cancer in 2016. Recognizing and honoring cancer survivors and their caregivers is his priority.
His goal is to host over 100 cancer survivors at the event. The opening ceremony will include a special Survivors Lap. Survivors and their caregivers will also enjoy a complimentary dinner.
“After sunset, we light Luminarias to remember those we have lost, to celebrate cancer survivors, and to show those affected by cancer that they are not alone.”
Many local businesses and organizations support relay For Life of Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate, and Coconut Creek. This year’s sponsors include Memorial Cancer Institute, AutoNation, Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Coldwell Banker, Coral Springs Medical Center, Supreme Lending, Burie Group at Morgan Stanley, JK Closing Attorneys, Parkland Veterinary Hospital, Iguana Control, and North Broward Preparatory School, among others.
To learn more about Relay For Life and form a team or register as an individual or cancer survivor, visit Relayforlife.org/parklandfl.
The Relay For Life of Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate and Coconut Creek will be held on March 7, 2020, from 5 pm – 10 pm at the Sportsplex at 2700 Sportsplex Drive in Coral Springs.