Kuala Lumpur, 27 July 2016 - The battle against cancer can be won, as cancer survivors ranging from years to decades will demonstrate at the survivors’ lap at the 10th Relay for Life (RFL) Kuala Lumpur.
On 6 to 7 August 2016, The National Cancer Society will celebrate its 10-year anniversary of the city’s biggest cancer fundraising and awareness event at Dataran Petaling Jaya. Survivors who walked the first ever lap in RFL Kuala Lumpur 10 years ago will continue their tradition this year.
“Apart from celebrating the National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s 50-year anniversary this year, we are also proud to reach 10 years for Relay for Life Kuala Lumpur,” says Dato’ Zuraidah Atan, Chairperson of Relay for Life Malaysia during the press launch held earlier today.
“We often see ‘top ten’ lists on the signs, prevention or coping with cancer. While this knowledge is important to raise cancer awareness, it is also crucial to celebrate our wins to show that cancer isn’t a death sentence. Our 10th RFL is just the right venue for that.”
A global event joined by over 4 million people, RFL invites families, friends, groups, co-workers and classmates to team up and walk around the running track. The overnight celebration that runs for 16 hours in Kuala Lumpur hosts campsites, live performances, on-stage exercises or Zumbathons, carnival style games as well as awareness activities.
Another signature activity is the Luminaria ceremony, in which participants gather and remember loved ones who have lost to cancer, honour those who fought, and support those still fighting.
Survivor Betty Gomes, who has been actively involved since the first RFL, says that the ceremony – along with the survivors’ lap – remains the most meaningful activity to her.
“We see Luminaria bags with inspiring messages and drawings, and they are placed around the Relay track,” she says. “It’s an amazing sight when the candles inside them are lit – you just have to be there to feel its significance.”
Betty recalls sitting at a little table, making call after call to recruit participants for the first Relay, and is amazed by how the event has grown through the years.
“Tears were running down our faces when we walked the first lap, and it is still very emotional for all of us,” she says. “We have lost many friends and gained many new ones through the years, and you can see how participants who were once new grow and move on to help other survivors.
“Mourning and honouring friends lost are only one part of RFL – we also make sure to have a grand time, and will do so at the 10-year anniversary this year. Our ‘day out’ at RFL is exactly how we go through life as survivors – laughing, growing and grieving together.”
“We thank participants, sponsors and fundraisers who have been with us all these years – we couldn’t have made it without you,” Dato’ Zuraidah Atan adds. “Every step counts, so join us once again to celebrate, remember and fight back. Speak to our survivors, be among fellow supporters, and see the difference that you have made.”
Online registrations can be made at relayforlifemalaysia.com.
NCSM is especially grateful to its sponsors Bridgestone, Astro, Vitahealth, Idifynetz, Accenture, Oriental Metal Industries, Brother International, Tune Protect, Credit Guarantee Corporation, Magnum, Magnum Cares and Spritzer.
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