Kona Relay for Life Coming in July

“I Love the 80’s” is the 2015 Kona Relay for Life theme, scheduled for Saturday, July 11.

The overnight event will take place at the Old Airport Park baseball fields beginning at 6 p.m.

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events began in May 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to walk for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, WA. He raised $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society and the event took off from there. Every year, Relay for Life events take place across the country, state, and island to honor those who have been lost and to find hope for those fighting and raise money in support of the cause.

Kona’s July event will begin with a survivor’s lap in celebration of those who have survived cancer or who are currently battling cancer. Laps taken by the community will begin shortly after and go all night.

Mixed in with the walking, live entertainment, games, and fundraisers held at team camp sites will encourage participants.

At 9 p.m.,  Relay for Life’s Luminaria Ceremony will take place. The ceremony honors those who have lost their lives to cancer. Those participating will circle the track surrounded by glowing luminaria that has the name of someone who has lost the battle. Luminaria can be purchased for $5 on the Relay for Life website.