For the past six years, CGI has been a silver sponsor of Relay for Life—the main volunteer fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Since the mid-1980s, Relay for Life has raised more than $3 billion for cancer research and cancer patients. And, each year CGI members participate in Relay for Life events to help support the American Cancer Society’s ongoing fight.
In 2011, a CGI team took part in a Relay for Life event in Natomas, California, raising more than $3,000. Overall, this team has raised in excess of $35,000 through their participation in Relay for Life.
“It’s become an annual tradition for us,” said Elizabeth Razvan, an executive assistant. “A group of us will camp out around a local track and take turns walking around the track for a 24-hour period. Our family and friends are there to cheer us on, and it’s a great opportunity to spend time together while raising money for such an important cause.”
Relay for Life events also involve special ceremonies, including a survivor’s lap, a luminary ceremony and a fight back ceremony.
“Each relay starts with a survivor’s lap when cancer survivors circle the track together to celebrate their victories,” shared Elizabeth. “After it gets dark, a luminary ceremony is held in which lit candles are placed inside bags to honor people who have been touched by cancer or lost their lives to the disease. Then, finally, there’s a fight back ceremony in which each of us makes a personal commitment to do something in the fight against cancer.”
Most of the CGI members who participate in Relay for Life have been impacted by cancer in some way. Their personal stories compel them each year to take action in fighting the disease. Through their ongoing participation in Relay for Life, they hope to play a meaningful role in helping cancer victims and ultimately finding a cure.
