Relay for Life March 15 – Please Join Us

Baptist Hospital will host the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of East Kendall — a survivors’ celebration, camp-out and relay-style walk around the hospital campus lake.

Funds raised from this annual fundraiser support cancer research, education and patient services.

“We are proud to host this event again with the American Cancer Society to support raising funds for a cure while celebrating and honoring those people who battled the disease,” said Baptist Hospital CEO Bo Boulenger. “Our commitment to excellence in cancer care is a top-priority, which is why this year Baptist Health will break ground on a new $400 million comprehensive cancer institute  that will bring cancer services under one roof on the Baptist Hospital campus.”

The event begins at 12 noon, Saturday, March 15, at Baptist Hospital and ends the next morning. More than 3,000 participants are expected to participate

Miami HEAT forward James Jones has been named honorary co-chair of this year’s event. Mr. Jones will address the 300-plus cancer survivors, their families and friends at the survivor ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. He will also offer basketball tips to fans; take pictures and sign autographs.

Team members, cancer survivors and the community at large, walk relay-style around the lake during the day and throughout the night to communicate the message that cancer never sleeps.

Everyone is encouraged to attend and spend the day. Participants will enjoy food and entertainment, play games, buy silent auction items and learn how to lower their risk of developing cancer.

Cancer survivors are given special T-shirts and are invited to take the first lap around the lake at 4 p.m. They will be treated to a special dinner and other gifts. A candlelight ceremony will be held at 9 p.m., to honor people battling cancer and those who have died from the disease.

This year’s Relay will also feature special appearances by the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and T.D., the Miami Dolphins mascot.

Last year’s Relay for Life at Baptist Hospital raised more than $262,000 for the American Cancer Society, the third-highest amount raised in Florida. The American Cancer Society holds dozens of Relay for Life fundraisers throughout the region each year.

The event is supported by Baptist Health South Florida and it has been held at Baptist Hospital for nine years. Baptist Health’s staff and patients participate in the event.

For more information, call Marcela Gomez at the American Cancer Society at 305-763-9351, send an email to Marcela.Gomez@cancer.org or go to RelayforLife.org.