Special to Dorchester Banner/Anne Whaples
Members of the “20 Years. . .#Purple Strong” planning committee for the 2016 Dorchester Relay For Life are shown on a windy April day at the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School parking lot where the event will be held. Back, from left: Karol Redline, Nancy Potter, Dawn Cook, Gene Skinner, Linda Horseman, Patricia Banks. Front: Vickie Bramble, Phyllis Weber, Gail Skinner, chair and Jennifer Fleming.[/caption] CAMBRIDGE — Dorchester County’s Relay For Life will be “20 Years. . .#Purple Strong” on May 20. The local cancer organization has raised close to $3 million since its inception in 1996. The annual Relay For Life event will be held at the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School parking lot along the Cambridge bypass on May 20 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Gail Skinner, chair of the Relay For Life committee, said, “All of those who have participated over the years are so proud of this milestone. Dorchester’s Relay For Life has raised millions in the fight against cancer and that fight is not yet over. “The funds raised truly make a difference — just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!” Mrs. Skinner said funds raised are used for such programs as Road to Recovery. “Cancer patients frequently cite transportation to and from treatment as one of their most critical needs,” she said, “and the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program matches cancer patients with specially trained volunteer drivers.” Cancer survivors, caregivers and members of the community are all invited to the event, where 24 Relay teams will be walking the track to emphasize the importance of the fight against this disease. Survivors and caregivers will be recognized at a reception and lead the first lap of the Relay. Survivor registration will begin at 4 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, with the reception from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Relay For Life also recognizes and celebrates caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer. The Luminaria Ceremony takes place at about 8:15 p.m., to remember people who have been lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and to support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and placed around the track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer, and will shine throughout the night. Entertainment, including a DJ and live bands, food and fun will continue until midnight, as well as a silent auction at the site. A special 20th anniversary slide show featuring highlights of the past 20 years will also be shown. Cancer survivors should contact Chris Foxwell to register at 443-521-4517; anyone wishing to purchase a luminaria for $5 should call Vickie Bramble, 410-228-6302; for information on Relay, call Gail Skinner at 410-330-1145 or gwskinner@comcast.net. Visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/dorchestermd.