WESTPHALIA  — This year’s Relay for Life of Maries/Osage counties will be held at the Westphalia Knights of Columbus on Friday, starting at 4 p.m. with a drive-thru barbecue until 7:30, after which a raffle will be drawn.

The Luminaria Ceremony begins at 8, honoring those who have lost their battle to cancer and survivors who continue to fight. Cancer patient caregivers (currently or previously diagnosed) will then be invited to join the survivors. A caregiver is a friend or family member that helped a person with cancer, regardless if they are still with us. It may even be a healthcare worker.

As the sun sets, Relay teams help light pre-made Luminaria bags that are dedicated in honor or memory of a loved one.

During the Luminaria Ceremony, those gathered will take time to remember those lost to cancer and reflect on the journey of those who have survived.

Organizer Nicki Bax said the event is very important. “Over the years, through Relay for Life, I’ve met people who are struggling with their diagnosis and are mad and ready to fight, and some who have beating it for over 42 years,” she added. “Nothing fills my heart more than meeting these survivors and their families and hearing their stories. This is why I joined Relay, to be a part of that, and to give back to each one of them. It’s so great to see them come back year after year. I may not always remember their name but I don’t forget a face. Since COVID, we haven’t been able to do our huge survivor’s luncheon so we hand-out goodie bags with a survivor T-shirt and donations from local businesses. We like for them to RSVP so that we have their T-shirt size on hand. You don’t have to be a survivor to join Relay; volunteers are always welcomed and appreciated.”

A Luminaria can be purchased ahead of the event or on Friday at Westphalia.

Call Nicki Bax at 573-301-6944 with questions.

Relay For Life is the world’s largest volunteer-based fundraising event. For more then 36 years, communities across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a volunteer-driven, staff-supported 501C-3 non-profit organization with the mission statement to “Save Lives, Celebrate Lives & Lead the Fight for a World Without Cancer.”

With over 1.5 million volunteers nationwide, the ACS attacks cancer from every angle through research, education, advocacy, and family services.

Since 1946, ACS has invested $5 billion in research; 3.2 million patients have been served in the last decade; 16.9 million cancer survivors are alive today, and more than one million cancer screenings have been provided in underserved communities.