"It's just one little candle, one tiny flickering light, a challenge to the darkness, a small beacon in the night. "

As darkness falls on June 17, 2011 the Duneland community will come together during the Luminaria Ceremony and remember why we participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

This year’s Relay for Life of Duneland theme is “There’s a Superhero in You!” The event will take place at Chesterton High School, 2125 S. 11th Street, June 17-18 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Luminaria Ceremony is an opportunity to reflect on how cancer has touched each of us personally. It's a time to look inside ourselves with quiet reflection and find hope. No matter what our experience with cancer has been, we all share the hope that we will one day live in a world where family members and friends will never have to hear the words "you have cancer."

The Luminaria Ceremony is an important part of the Relay for Life, providing an opportunity to honor those who have been touched by cancer. The track is illuminated by hundreds of Luminarias, with each one representing a treasured relationship and a cancer story.

Everyone is welcome at this event, however, you do not need to be present to take part in this tribute. With your suggested $5 donation, the name of a loved one, or message, will be placed on a Luminaria bag and will be lit at dusk during the ceremony.

Luminarias are available at the following locations in Chesterton: Duneland Resale, 801 Broadway; Centier Bank, 103 Broadway; Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce, 220 Broadway; Chesterton Tribune, 193 S. Calumet Road; Peggy Sue's Diner, 117 S. Calumet Road and UPS Store, 709-2 Plaza Drive.

You can also dedicate a Luminaria by visiting www.relayforlife.org/dunelandin

 and clicking on "Dedicate a Luminaria". You may choose a team you would like the Luminaria donation credited to.

You can also use the website to register as a participant, donate to a team or find out more information.

For more information about Relay for Life of Duneland, please contact Brianna Herndon at (219) 406-4341 or brianna.Herndon@cancer.org

The American Cancer Society may be reached at 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org

Each year, millions of people dedicated to eliminating cancer in our lifetime participate in a unique event that helps communities celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and help fight back against a disease that takes too much. That event is the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

Much more than a walk around a track, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life helps local communities take action against a disease that will affect one in four families. It unites participants with others who have shared a similar experience, allowing them to find hope and healing.

Teams of co-workers, colleagues, family and friends camp out overnight and take turns walking laps around a track. Participants celebrate the victory of local cancer survivors during the special Survivors Lap.

At dusk, they have a chance to remember loved ones lost to the disease during the poignant Luminaria Ceremony.

During the Fight Back ceremony, community members are encouraged to make a pledge to save one life from cancer.

Dollars raised at American Cancer Society Relay For Life events help provide access to up-to-date cancer information, day-to-day help and emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-227-2345.

The American Cancer Society matches local cancer patients with much-needed resources such as rides to treatment and tips on coping with various aspects of cancer.

Relay For Life also supports the American Cancer Society’s efforts to educate people about cancer prevention and to ensure fighting cancer remains a top priority for local, state and federal legislators.

Posted 5/26/2011