June 19, 2012 > Celebrate, remember, and fight with Relay For Life Celebrate, remember, and fight with Relay For Life By Julie Grabowski Norman Vincent Peale urged, "Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there." For the American Cancer Society, that possibility is an end to cancer. Since 1986, Relay For Life has raised money to fund cancer research and provide a myriad of programs and services for those living with the disease. Relay For Life is a global effort, active in 23 countries around the world in which individuals, organizations, and companies form teams to raise awareness and support in the fight against cancer. Teams come together in a 24-hour event and take turns circling a track; a member of each team is on the track at all times, illustrating the fact that cancer never sleeps. Event highlights include a Survivor's Lap, which begins the day; the Luminaria Ceremony, honoring those touched by cancer and those lost; and the Fight Back Ceremony, which establishes a personal commitment to fight cancer, whether by becoming more informed, more vigilant about person health, or volunteering. Relay For Life draws previous participants and welcomes those new to the fight each year. The cause is continuously widening its reach, and now there is even a free iPhone app that let supporters track fundraising and keep up with Relay news. Community members are invited to attend any or all Relay events to enjoy food, games, and entertainment as well as take advantage of opportunities to make a donation. Hayward hosted its Relay event on June 2; 25 teams raised over $25,000. Milpitas hosts their event Saturday, June 23, currently logging 290 participants, 32 teams, and over $25,000 raised. Fremont follows on June 30 with 313 participants, 43 teams, and over $31,000 raised. Newark, Union City, and other local areas will each host their own Relays throughout the summer. Relay events are filled with personal stories, triumphs and tears, and unbreakable determination. When confronted by a diagnosis of serious illness, many feel helpless and alone; Relay For Life encourages connections and unity, a source of empowerment and beacon of hope. It is a time to celebrate those who have survived and remember others no longer with us; to continue the fight toward a cancer-free future. It has been said, "Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death." Support your local Relay For Life and feed the faith that will one day change the world. To learn more about Relay For Life go to www.relayforlife.org. Receive information and guidance from the American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-227-2345 or visiting online at www.cancer.org. Relay For Life: Milpitas Saturday, June 23 10 a.m. Milpitas Sports Center 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas www.relayforlife.org/milpitasca Fremont Saturday, June 30 10 a.m. California School for the Deaf 39350 Gallaudet Dr., Fremont www.relayforlife.org/fremontca Castro Valley Saturday, July 21 9 a.m. Canyon Middle School 19600 Cull Canyon Rd., Castro Valley www.relayforlife.org/castrovalleyca Newark Saturday, August 11-12 10 a.m. Newark Memorial High School 39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark www.relayforlife.org/newarkca San Lorenzo Saturday, August 11 9 a.m. Arroyo High School 15701 Lorenzo Ave., San Lorenzo www.relayforlife.org/sanlorenzoca Union City Saturday, August 25 10 a.m. James Logan High School 1800 H St., Union City www.relayforlife.org/unioncityca