The principle of Relay for Life is simple: participants are organised in teams covering 12 or 24 hours, and during that time, one member of the team should constantly be running or walking on the track. This non-stop participation of each team symbolises the never-ending combat of cancer patients and their caregivers. Many of Luxembourg’s main employers are represented by one or several teams. Other teams represent various associations or are composed of a group of friends.
The atmosphere is usually on up beat as people move around the track, cheer for colleagues and friends and enjoy the various side activities organised both for adults and children. Two of the most moving moments are the “Survivor and Caregiver Tour”, when current and former cancer patients and their carers receive the standing ovations of the audience, and the candle ceremony when candles are lit in memory of those who did not survive the disease.
Participation fees and other funds collected during the event are used by the Cancer Foundation to support prevention and research projects as well as its other activities.
Photo credit: Fondation Cancer © Claude Piscitelli