PHOTOS: Hundreds Brave Warm Temps For Shelby Township Relay for Life

Scores of American Cancer Society Relay for Life teams braved mid-80 temperatures for 24 hours this weekend for the annual fundraiser dedicated to raising money for cancer research.

Teams for the race ranged from large to small, young and old, and from businesses to schools.

More than 15 Relay for Life walks kicked off around Michigan Saturday at 10 a.m. and will end at 10 a.m. Sunday. 

Each team was responsible for raising money throughout the year and walking laps for 24-hours on the day of the race. 

The Utica Academy for International Studies counselor and UAIS relay team leader told Patch the team was almost completely organized and funded by students.

Juniors Katelyn Sankus and Ashley Krause said the experience has taught them compassion for survivors and even a little organizational tools.

"Communicate. We had to learn how to delegate and follow through." said Sankus, who lead a team of 27 students.

Each team set up camp for the relay and some sold refreshments food, massages, stickers, etc. to raise extra funds.

During the Relay for Life, participants between the ages of 30 and 65 were asked to sign up for the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), a long term study of people who have never been diagnosed with cancer.

Relay for Life Traditions

The Survivors Lap
The Survivors Lap is an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track.

The Luminaria Ceremony
We honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

The Fight Back Ceremony
There is a Fight Back Ceremony where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.