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Health & Fitness

Luminarias are Bright Reminders of Lives Touched by Cancer- Margot Ferron

Luminaria Ceremony for the American Cnacer Society


Perhaps no other symbol is as meaningful as the luminarias that circle and light up the Saddleback College track each year during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Mission Viejo.   For the individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer it is very emotional.

A white-lit bag (each has a small battery operated candle) represents a person who has fought against cancer, survived or lost the battle.  It serves as a vivid reminder for those walking of just how many families and friends it has touched.

Each year, approximately 500 luminarias that raise $10 each in memory and in honor of loved ones that have had cancer or have it are placed around the track and illuminate it.  

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The luminaria are used to spell words such as "HOPE" and "CURE" and the words illuminate during the Luminaria ceremony.  At 9 pm the name of each person on the luminarias is read aloud.  Some guest speakers share their stories and each participant is given a candle to light in remembrance of a loved one.  Following the Luminaria Ceremony, it is suggested that participants walk a lap around the track in silence to give respect to those who are ill with cancer or to those whose lives were lost.  At some Relay events, pictures of cancer patients are shown and Amazing Grace is performed.

For the past 25 years, Relay for Life events have brought community members across the nation together to celebrate, remember and fight back.  Luminarias raise money for the American Cancer Society and its efforts to put an end to the disease that has affected so many lives.

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The American Cancer Society has many programs that help people through their fight with cancer and they’ve been helping save lives since 1913.


The 2013 Mission Viejo Relay for Life event begins on Sat., June 1 at 9 am with opening ceremonies followed by the Survivors lap. The Luminaria lighting ceremony will be held at 9 pm. The event concludes at 9 am on Sun., June 2.

It’s hard to explain the emotions driving the event unless you’ve been to one.  Please join us for Relay and walk a lap or two to see it for your selves.

For more information or to register for the event go to www.mvrelay.orgIf you have any questions, you want to join the fight or even get a luminaria please call Margot Ferron at 949/309-1235, gomargotgo@aol.com

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