The 2009 Prairie du Chien Relay For Life begins Friday evening at 6pm with the opening ceremony and continues through Saturday morning. This year’s Relay is dubbed “Viva Las Relay: Betting on a Cure”.

One of the night’s highlights is the Luminaria Ceremony. As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called luminaria, each of which has a special meaning. Some celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Many remember the lives of those who have been lost to this disease. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.

Rachel Smith has been involved with Prairie du Chien’s Relay for Life for seven years. This is the first year she is a chairperson for the event. “I started out just as a walking member. Then became a team captain for 5 years,” says Smith.

Smith, like most people, has her own experience with cancer in her family. “I relay because my grandma passed away from breast cancer in 1985,” she says, “Back then, they didn’t have the research to treat breast cancer. A large portion of the money raised [at the Relay] goes towards research.”

Last year’s Relay for Life in Prairie du Chien raised $61,803. Organizers believe this year’s event can do better. “I’m excited because we have seven new teams this year,” says Smith. In addition, coordinators are bringing breakfast Saturday morning. There will also be many games and theme laps throughout the night.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people take turns walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event.