Relay For Life Kicks Off with 80s Party

All ages got into the 80s look. Pictured are Anita Herman, Arianne Chartrand, Peyton Chartrand, and Lucinda Kenney.

If you were in downtown Manchester on the evening of March 24, you may have thought that you were having a mini-flashback. Some people wearing distinctively 1980s fashions were seen making their way into Frank's Place, where 80s music and apparel appeared to evidently be making a comeback.

The reason for the celebration was in honor of the 30th anniversary of Relay For Life. In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to raise money for cancer research by spending 24 hours walking and running around a track in Tacoma, Washington. From that single event, he ultimately raised $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society.

A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event to combat the nation’s biggest health concern. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.

Fast forward 30 years. Manchester's own Relay For Life is in its fifth year. After raising more than $100,000 in its first four years, this year's Relay is "on track" for another successful event. Last Tuesday's kickoff party was the first time many of the organizers had the opportunity to gather and discuss strategies to grow this year's Relay to bigger and better than ever.

If you missed the 80s party, there's still time to join the fun and join the fight! On June 20, the fifth annual Relay For Life of Manchester will begin at 10 a.m. at the Manchester Community Schools Athletic Complex.

What is a Relay For Life event like? Basically, it's an organized community fundraising walk, where teams camp out around the track and members of each team take turns walking around the track throughout the day. Food, games and activities provide entertainment, build camaraderie and create a family-friendly environment.

Because it's a team event, individual participants are not required to be there the entire time. But it's so much fun, you'll find it hard to leave!

Traditionally, cancer survivors and their caregivers are honored during the initial lap following a brief opening ceremony. A Survivor Brunch at 11 a.m. continues the celebration of anyone in or attached to the community, who has received a cancer diagnosis during his or her lifetime.

On the track, there are activities throughout the day and the public is welcome to attend. Nearly everyone knows someone who has heard the words, "You have cancer." By attending this event or making a donation, you are helping to honor those who have survived as well as those who have lost their battle.

This year's event will conclude with a luminaria ceremony at 11 p.m. Luminaria bags, decorated with names, photos, and messages of hope, will line the track as darkness falls and names of those survivors and those who have been lost will be read aloud while team members walk the track quietly. This is always very moving and many Relayers consider this their favorite part of the event.

This event will officially end at midnight on June 20, but the fight against cancer will go on.

How can you help? There are several ways. Relay For Life of Manchester is looking for cancer survivors to honor at Relay. Anyone who has ever received a diagnosis of cancer is a survivor. Please contact heather.dixon@cancer.org or marshajc@gmail.com with information about yourself, a friend, or a loved one who is surviving cancer.

Relay For Life is also looking for more teams and more participants at the track this year. A goal of 315 participants was announced at the kickoff meeting. Team members who raise at least $100 by May 10 will receive their team t-shirt the week before Relay.

Can't be there? Make a donation! Go HERE and search for a team or participant you'd like to support. Every donation is appreciated, no matter the size.

An inspiring and thoughtful survivor speech was given by Roxanne Katke (left), while ACS Community Staff Partner Heather Dixon looks on.

Mary Bortmas and Arianne Chartrand competed for "biggest hair" looks.

"Luminaria" boxes in front of Frank's Place invited the community to come and learn more about Relay For Life

Rita Page and her daughter Katie wearing their Event Leadership Team t-shirts.

I Love The 80s was the theme of the Relay For Life of Manchester kickoff party last week, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Relay For Life.

Linda Whitney, her son Owen, and Colleen Kemner helped interested people to learn more about starting a team.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.