Published: November 03, 2009 03:22 pm      

Avon prepares to host ‘Relay Reunion’

AVON — After the increased success of the 2009 Relay for Life here, organizers have decided to expand the event.

“Relay is an all cancer event,” Beverly Austin, organizer of the event, said. “The Relay for Life is not until May, but after doing so well in 2009 we were considered for awards, which works as a grant process.”

In order to qualify for the grants and awards, the Avon Relay must do more throughout the year. As a result, the organizing committee is holding a Relay Reunion at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Avon Town Hall Park.

The group also had a float in the Avon Heritage Festival Parade.

“They want us to get the momentum going to make things even bigger and better,” Austin said.

She said the reunion would provide several opportunities.

“This is a multiple-opportunity event,” Austin said. “It allows the people who participated in 2009 to get back together and honor survivors. It also is a way to invite those who may know about relays. It also lets veteran relayers to get engaged for 2010.”

In addition to supporting the relay participants, Austin said it’s a great way to give support to those who battled cancer.

“It is a great accomplishment to survive cancer,” she said. “Also, if you are going through treatment, it can be a major boost.”

The event will include hot dogs and chips, a survivor recognition program, and entertainment. It will also include a special segment from the Hendricks Regional Cancer Center.

Austin said that the Avon Town Hall Park works as a perfect site for the relay and this event.

“It is so great (to host the relay at Avon Town Hall Park),” she said. “Last year was actually our first year. Normally it is done at schools and football fields, where the track is an eighth of a mile. The track is a half mile around the lake, so we were concerned about distance. It was so perfect in May with the luminarias around the lake. It was great on the town’s side for people to know that there is a park back there. It is kind of a hidden treasure.”

Austin said that relays are an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the American Cancer Society’s mission, which is not limited to just certain topics.

The event is open to everyone, including those who have never attended a relay event.

For more information on the ACS, visit the website at www.cancer.org.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com