JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head football coach Ken Sparks and the American Cancer Society are joining forces to raise cancer awareness. Sparks, who continues his battle with prostate cancer, will participate in the society's Relay For Life of Jefferson County event.
The purpose of the yearly event is to raise awareness about cancer. This year's event will be held Sept. 6-7 at the Silver Diamond Baseball Complex on Carson-Newman's campus.
Teams camp out overnight, each with the goal of keeping one person on the track at all times. Since cancer never sleeps, for one night a year, neither do volunteers, survivors and caregivers. Relay for Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches – in other words, people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorship and donations prior to Relay for Life, all with the goal of eliminating cancer.
Relay for Life opens as cancer survivors take the first lap. This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops as participants make new friends and spend time with old ones. Highlighting the evening is a Luminaria Ceremony of Hope held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.
For information about forming a team, making a donation, or volunteering, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/JeffersonTN.
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