By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Niles residents get out your walking shoes.
The Niles-Buchanan, Relay for Life event is being held on July 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Niles High School Football stadium, located on Eagle Street in Niles.
More than 40 teams have signed up to participate in the Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life and have been hosting events over the past year to begin raising funds.
This event is a 24 hour walk-a-thon, which helps to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Relay For Life began as one man's battle against cancer and a journey to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
In May of 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked, jogged and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Wa. The event being 24 hours symbolizes a fight with cancer.
The hope with this event is that a cure will be found and the battle will be won forever.
Throughout the day there wil be many activities for people to participate in. Some of them include the opening ceremony which is being held at noon on the July 23 and the group of organizers would like to invite cancer survivors to join the festivities and lead the opening lap around the track.
There will also be two bands and a church choir performing, along with a lip sync contest and a Mr. Relay contest," Asmus said.
Asmus added that some of the teams are organizing games for all the participants such as tug-of-war, a hula hoop contest, bubble gum blowing contest and many others.
Another event taking place during the Relay for Life event, is the lumanaria ceremony, which is at 10 p.m. on the July 23.
All the funds raised from the Relay For Life events is donated to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient service programs.
For more information about how to donate to or participate in the Niles-Buchanan Relay For Life event contact chairman Michelle Asmus at masmus23@yahoo.com or at (574) 273-1322 or go to www. acsevents.org/relay/mi/niles.