Luminaria

LUMINARIA HONORING MY MOTHER IN LAW

Luminaria are paper bags filled with sand and illuminated by a small light or candle.

Gina has been involved in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life for a number of years. She first got involved by traveling to Enumclaw, Washington to be a part of the Relay For Life there. Her sister Roberta is very involved with the Enumclaw Relay For Life. Luminaria are an important part of Relay For Life events. Each Luminaria bears the name of a person who has faced cancer, or those who have lost their battle. Each bag represents a life and story, survivor or memory – all donated in the spirit of love.

The Luminaria are placed around the track and lit as sunset approaches. As night falls it is a beautiful and poignant scene to see all the lit luminaria.


LUMINARIA LINING THE TRACK AT RELAY FOR LIFE

There is a Luminaria Ceremony that offers everyone at Relay the opportunity to honor and remember those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Luminaria also raise money for Relay For Life.


GINA SPEAKING DURING THE LUMINARIA CEREMONY

Gina and I have been involved in the Relay For Life event here in Polk county for the last two years. Gina is the Relay For Life Chairperson for Polk County. It is a passion of ours because of all of the family members and friends who have battled cancer. We decorated a float for the 2007 Christmas parade here in Mena. Our theme was Luminaria. Gina made a large Luminaria from a refrigerator box, and we lit it with a floor lamp. We had Luminaria all along the sides of the float that we lit with glow sticks.


THE REFRIGERATOR BOX LUMINARIA


RELAY FOR LIFE FLOAT IN THE PARADE

If you have never been involved in a Relay For Life, find out if there is one in your community and become a part of it. In 2008 there were over 5,000 Relay For Life events with over 3 million people participating. Don't miss out on the fun of this important event. Last year over 400 million dollars was raised by Relay For Life for cancer research, education, advocacy and service.


RELAY FOR LIFE IS FUN AND FULFILLING