Queens residents will come together in Bayside this weekend to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer.
The annual Relay for Life will take place on June 2 at the Bayside High School Athletic Fields, located at the corner of 32nd Avenue and the Clearview Expressway service road. The event will run from 3 until 10 p.m.
The event will raise money to support the American Cancer Society, a national health organization, as it works to eliminate cancer, diminish suffering, and offer educational and advocacy services. Over $37,000 has already been raised by Bayside march participants, according to the official event page.
At 3 p.m., there will be an opening ceremony, followed by a “survivor’s lap,” where cancer survivors will be invited to take a celebratory walk as they are cheered on by other participants.
At 8:30 p.m., a candle lighting ceremony will take place. Candles will be placed in white bags, known as Luminarias, and positioned around the athletic field. The items are purchased in honor of those who have survived cancer, are still fighting cancer, or who have passed away as a result of the disease.
Luminarias will be kept burning for the rest of the evening, as participants continue to walk around the field in a relay format. A closing ceremony will take place at 10 p.m.
Local partners for the event include Cord Meyer Development Company, Blue Chip Critical Systems and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.
Those interested in participating can register here or contact Carol Palacio from the American Cancer Society at 718-517-3206. Donations can also be made through the Bayside Relay for Life webpage.
