Pembroke Pines, FL (April 20, 2022) - Residents, friends, guests and cancer survivors are encouraged to join the City of Pembroke Pines on Friday, April 29, 2022 to help find a cure for cancer. The Pembroke Pines Relay for Life event gets underway at 6:00 p.m. and goes until 12:00 a.m. at the Pembroke Pines Academic Village (PPCHS) located at 17189 Sheridan Street in Pembroke Pines. Over the years, the City of Pembroke Pines has raised millions of dollars via the Relay for Life event. The Relay for Life of Pembroke Pines is an inspiring opportunity to unite as a community. It is a team-based walking event that brings people together to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember the loved ones lost, and empower communities to fight back against the disease. This year’s theme is “Relay-ality” for Life, Family TV.
This year’s event kicks off by celebrating everyone, both men and women, who have been affected by cancer at some point in their lives. There will be a Survivors Lap where all cancer survivors take the first lap around the track to celebrate their victory over cancer; a Caregivers Lap where caregivers will be honored as they walk a lap, usually with the person they supported; and a Luminaria Ceremony which takes place after dark to honor those who have lost their lives to cancer, to remember those who fought cancer in the past, and to support those whose fight is ongoing.
When not walking or running, those participating can take part in games, activities, enjoy food varieties and entertainment all throughout the event. Lastly, Children at the Relay can indulge themselves in the Mayor’s Kids Zone, a place to bounce and play, during the festivities while monies are being raised for the cure.
The Relay for Life concept began in May 1985 when Dr. Gordon "Gordy" Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours straight around a track in Tacoma, Washington to raise to raise funds to help the American Cancer Society address the nation's largest health concern. Dr. Klatt passed away August 3, 2014, at the age of 71 from heart failure after battling stomach cancer, however his legacy lives on. He helped form an idea that started as one man walking and running a track and turned it into a global event raising over $5 billion to help save lives around the world.
The community is encouraged to learn more about the City of Pembroke Pines’ latest events by subscribing to Pines Media on YouTube, reading the city's newspaper City Connect, checking the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofpembrokepines, and accessing Twitter or Instagram using @cityofppines. Residents with Comcast can view Pembroke Pines Media programming on Channel 78, while residents with AT&T U-Verse can view programming on Channel 99 and click on Pembroke Pines TV.