DEARBORN — Relay For Life is a time for Dearborn to come together as a community to celebrate survivors of cancer, remember those lost to cancer, and to fight back against a disease that takes too much from too many.   As they celebrate life and hope at the Relay For Life of Dearborn, community members are invited to join.

The Relay committee and teams have a lot planned to make 10th Annual Relay For Life of Dearborn fun and meaningful for all.  There will be entertainment and activities taking place for the full 24 hours.  Entertainment highlights include several live bands such as 2007 favorites the Backbeats and the Maples Drum Corps, a Mr. Relay Contest, a DJ, a car show by the Ford & Mercury Restorers Club, magic by Von Bodan with special guest Kevin Cramer, and much more.  Activities include a dunk tank, moon bounce, face painting, slot car racing, sports contests and skill challenges, yoga classes, an ice carving demonstration,  and more.   Silent Auctions will feature lunch and a Fire Department tour with Dearborn Fire Chief Nazih Hazime, an autographed Tomas Holstrom puck, one night at the Marriott, and much more.

At 10 a.m. an opening ceremony will be held with a welcome from Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. and highlighted by a survivor speaker.

At 10:15 a.m. there will be a survivor & caregiver lap and reception.  Survivors and caregivers are invited to walk the first lap of the day as they are honored by the cheering and applause of all participants.  Afterwards, survivors and caregivers are invited to attend a celebratory reception as honored guests and are encouraged to stay and enjoy the festivities throughout the Relay.  Survivors and caregivers are also welcome to bring their favorite baked goods to donate to team Sweets by Survivors bake sale, located next to the Survivor Tent.   Please contact Anna Agustin or visit events.cancer.org/rfldearbornmi to register for the Survivor & Caregiver Lap and Reception.

At 5:30 p.m., a fight back ceremony inspire and teach simple ways to fight back against cancer 365 days a year.

At 10 p.m., a luminaria ceremony will demonstrate the true meaning of Relay For Life.  Following a moving ceremony, participants will walk a silent lap together to reflect on how many people are affected by cancer.  The track is lined with glowing luminaria tributes memorializing those lost and honoring the spirit, triumph and hope of cancer survivors.   It is a powerful testimonial as to why we do Relay For Life.

On Sunday at 9:00 a.m., the closing ceremony will celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of the Relay community.  Awards are presented and the grand total of money raised is announced.  Taking the final lap together is a proud moment for “a community taking up the fight!”   

If interested, please visit events.cancer.org/rfldearbornmi for a full schedule of events.  For more information, please contact  American Cancer Society Relay Specialist Anna Agustin at 248.663.2573 or annalisa.agustin@cancer.org, or volunteer Relay Chair Debbie Malyn, at 313.683.2573 or rfldearborn@gmail.com.