Locals Will 'Relay for Life' Next Week to Help in Fight Against Cancer

Next week, residents of the Katonah-Lewisboro school district and beyond will take to the track of , pulling an all-nighter of continuous walking to raise funds toward finding a cure for cancer.

The event has so far attracted 483 participants on 58 teams who have raised $105,303, according to its website.

But there's still plenty of ways interested locals can take part, said organizers Ali Fink-Flynn and Leah Pizer, residents of Goldens Bridge who have been planning the event for months. 

"You can still start or join a team," said Flynn, explaining that team members support one another in the all-night relay. The American Cancer Society says the event lasts through the night because "cancer never sleeps."

"The hours represent the journey you may take when you have the disease," she said. "From the darkness of the diagnoses to the morning light, when you've survived."

Check out the attached video clip to see more from Flynn and Pizer on ways to get involved.

Among the participants are survivors, loved ones of those who have been affected, and caregivers who help others go through the process, according to Pizer. "It's really important to recognize the role caregivers have in recovery," she said.

On the day of the event anyone who has been touched by cancer is welcome to come and participate in any way they would like to. Included in the schedule is:

• 5:30 p.m. Survivor dinner. Advance sign-up required.
• 7 p.m. Opening ceremony, with opening laps done first by cancer survivors, then with caregivers, then all participants
• 9:30 p.m. Luminaria ceremony where bags decorated with the name of a Relay For Life participant or supporter in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. These can be purchased on the website prior to the event.
• Children's activities such as bouncy castles and soccer games
• Team fundraisers, such as food, beverage and jewelry sales

If you aren't on a team that is walking overnight, 11 p.m. is generally when most spectators leave, said organizers. They'll be welcome again the next morning at about 6:30 a.m. when the top fundraisers are announced and volunteers are needed for cleanup.

Both women were recruited by the ACS to help organize the relay based on previous volunteer experience, but they say who inspired them to take the planning of this massive event on was

Both women have been affected by cancer and touched by the stories their involvement has led them to hear.

"What's been inspiring is the number of people who are sharing their stories with us and telling us how honored they are to be a part of the event," said Flynn. "It's gratifying to hear people say 'thank you for doing this,' and it means a lot to us."

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If you are interested in signing up for or donating to the Katonah Lewisboro 2012 Relay for Life, there's still time. Contact Ali Fink-Flynn at aliflynn1@optonline.netor visit the event website.