Event raises money for local cancer victims

After winning her battle with breast cancer in 2009, Lisa Miller was approached by the American Cancer Society to start a Magnolia chapter of Relay for Life. Miller recruited her friends and the community, and in 2010, the group well surpassed its $25,000 goal and raised $63,000 for local cancer victims.

"The community was very responsive to the idea when we went out and started talking to people in Magnolia about having its own event," Miller said.

While all the money raised for the event goes to the American Cancer Society, that money funnels right back into the local community, she said.

"If someone in our community calls [the American Cancer Society] because they don't have a ride to a local doctor's appointment, they have arrangements set up with taxi services and someone will come out and take them to their appointment," Miller said.

Now in its third year, the group hopes to reach a new financial goal of $100,000.

"We're hoping to get students involved this year," said Mindy Just, event publicity chair. "We want to bring the whole community together."

If the nonprofit group reaches its goal, event chair Jesse Shore has pledged to have her head shaved at the event.

"She will be bald so that, someday, no one else will have to be," Just said.

The 12-hour event runs overnight, representing the fact that "cancer never sleeps," according to Just. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on April 28 at Magnolia Junior High, festivities include games, activities, awards, a disc jockey and live musical entertainment.

Participants sign up in teams, raise support and are responsible for sponsoring a booth.

"Some people sell items; others do some sort of activity," Just said. "We had a karate school perform at their booth last year and Best Buy had a Guitar Hero contest."

To honor cancer survivors, a dinner reception is held and free massages are offered. As a survivor, Miller said she can attest to the power of the event.

"Once you've been to one, you're hooked," Miller said. "It's an overwhelming feeling when you're around all the [survivors] and their family members. It's an awesome experience."

Luminaria ceremony

Relay for Life event publicity chair Mindy Just said the most memorable and touching part of the evening is the Luminaria ceremony, which honors those who are fighting or have died from cancer.

"When the lights go off, it really hits you how many people are affected by cancer," she said.

Luminaria bags are decorated by participants honoring their loved one, and placed around the track. Candles inside the bags are lit before the start of the ceremony.

Participants are invited to share their stories and following the ceremony, walk a lap around the track in silence.

Bags can be purchased for $5 at all Papa John's Pizza locations in Magnolia and at the event.

Relay for Life, Magnolia Junior High School, 31138 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia, www.relayforlife.com/magnoliatx