This weekend, for the fourth straight year Oxford, will unite against a common enemy that’s claimed too many lives and isn’t through yet.
Men, women, young, old, rich, poor ? cancer doesn’t discriminate. Its many forms make it an equal opportunity disease that can strike anyone at any time.
Every year cancer kills parents, children, grandparents, spouses, friends, co-workers, neighbors, classmates and strangers.
But the approximately 300 people who are set to participate in the Oxford Relay for Life are not ready to throw in the towel and let cancer add more victims to its list.
Divided amongst 15 teams, these people will walk, jog and run around the Oxford High School track for 24 hours straight ? beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31 and ending 10 a.m. Sunday, June 1 ? raising money and awareness to fight this petty, ugly disease.
The event hasn’t even taken place and already Oxford’s dedicated Relay teams have banked $20,132 as of Tuesday night.
What an impressive total. And that’s only a portion of what this event can generate for the American Cancer Society.
If you’re not walking this weekend as part of a team, don’t worry. You can still participate by attending the event and contributing a few bucks at a team campsite.
A wide variety of games, activities, merchandise, snacks and beverages will be able at on-site fund-raisers.
From inspirational bracelets and hair-braiding to hot dogs and chips, there are plenty of fun and delicious ways to spend your money and help a great cause.
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring the kiddies.
They can get their little faces painted at the The Krusaders? (Clear Lake Elementary) site, have a balloon animal made at the Oxford Child Care Courageous Cats? site, then enjoy some Cook’s Farm Dairy ice cream at the North Oakland Dental Group site.
In addition to the many different fund-raisers, there’s going to be plenty of entertainment ranging from musical performances to wacky contests.
Don’t miss the Mr. Relay Contest at 4 p.m., Saturday. You never know which Oxford man you’re going to see dressed up like a really hairy lady. Gentlemen, please remember to shave your backs this year.
As a proud media sponsor of the Oxford Relay for Life, The Oxford Leader/Sherman Publications, Inc. hopes to see everyone out there spending money, having lots of fun and working together to help wipe out cancer once and for all.