Relay for Life returns to Rochester with more hope, more fun and more inspiration

Cancer survivors and caregivers walk the first lap of last year's Relay for Life at Spaulding High's Hugo Bolin Field. (Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - There are few among us who have not been touched by the scourge of cancer, but we can all fight back at the annual Relay for Life cancer fund-raiser tomorrow at Spaulding High School's Hugo Bolin Field.
The event begins at 11 a.m. with a Survivor and Caregiver Brunch that will be held in the high school cafeteria followed by the opening ceremonies on Hugo Bolin Field at noon.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together passionate supporters who embody the ACS mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

A schedule of Saturday's events

The volunteer-led experience unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support.
"The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone," said Nancy Mathis, senior development manager and staff partner for Relay For Life of Strafford County. "At Relay For Life, no one faces cancer alone. We come together in our community to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families."
The event is open to the public, rain or shine, and will have performers, games, food trucks, and a silent auction.
After opening ceremonies including a survivor/caregiver lap, the relay gets into full swing with a variety of themed laps interspersed with performances by Sole City Dancer and Studio 109.
The event ends with an emotional Luminaria Ceremony around 8:30 p.m. followd by a closing ceremony around 9:45 p.m.
Food trucks include Sausage Express starting shortly after noon and Kona Ice ofYork County from 2-4 p.m.
There will be two silent auctions: one from noon-2 p.m. and another from 3-6 p.m.
There will also be kids games throughout the day.
The fund-raising goal for Rochester's Relay for Life is raise $60,000 and they are on track to achieve it, Mathis said on Thursday.
For more info visit www.RelayForLife.org/StraffordNH