By Howard Gottlieb

Remember the "LiveStrong" bracelets that cyclist Lance Armstrong sported to help raise money for cancer research? Well the world is now full of a rainbow of colored bracelets that help "promote the cause". They are a large part of the marketing group for charitable operations. They are cheap to produce and cheap to sell. A large part of the selling price goes directly to the cause they are trying to help.

The largest charitable organization that uses the colored jelly bracelets is the American Cancer Society. They have at least six colored bracelets that apply to the different forms of cancer.
Jelly bracelets come in purple (Relay for Life), dark blue (colon cancer awareness), pink (breast cancer research), white (cancer survivors), orange (anti-tobacco), and lime green (promoting the early detection of cancer in the Latin community).

The Relay for Life jelly bracelets have a particularly strong attraction for me. I have many friends who have been diagnosed with cancer and the $1 contributed to help with cancer research is invaluable. I believe it is a very small way I can show my support for them and the millions of others who have been diagnosed with this dreadful disease.

At least part of the appeal is affordability. Relay for Life jelly bracelets are sold for $1 apiece nationwide. This purple band is easily replaceable, waterproof and flexible. If you ever lose your bracelet, you can easily replace it for $1 going to a very good cause.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity. Every year, many people participate in the overnight event. Whether you walk, volunteer, or donate, this is an opportunity to tell others about your experiences with the event. You can rest assured that the majority of people there will be wearing the purple bracelet.

This activity helps promote cancer survivorship.

Let's remember that it takes everyone to pitch in and help wipe out cancer. Even the smallest support, wearing the purple Relay for Life jelly bracelets, making a significant monetary contribution to the American Cancer Society, or just going out and supporting the walkers for Relay for Life are ways to help fight this disease of cancer.

By Howard Gottlieb

I have participated in Relay for Life for many years. I have participated in the local Relay for Life activities as well as at some different regional locations. My involvement has ranged from making a donation to the Relay for Life cause to being a walker in the middle of the night. For the most part, the overall objective is the same while different chapters do things a bit differently.

In general, Relay for Life is an overnight, team event. Teams are formed from families, churches, organizations, schools, businesses, corporations, public employee groups, health care professionals, and more. Relay For Life activities bring together diverse groups--all with a common goal of wanting to strike back against cancer.

Another commonality is the honoring of cancer survivors. This special event culminates in the lighting of luminaries around the track. These luminaries are lit to honor the cancer survivors as well as the loved ones who have lost their battle.

Now each chapter can develop particular activities for their area. Many chapters have contests and have teams compete in the areas of t-shirt design, camp design, food, money raised, number of contributors and team theme.

Each team has a team captain. The team captain is responsible for creating the team, works with the Event Committee and is the go to person for communicating to their team. Teams are comprised of 8 - 15 members. The team captain is also responsible for organizing fundraising events for the team. Also, the captain will be responsible for making sure the necessary items are covered, such as food, proper clothing, tent, etc.

With carefully planned Relay for Life activities, the time will just fly by. You can have the separate contests judged and awards made. You can have testimonials. You can have a contest to see who can walk the most laps. The important thing to remember, that everyone there, is supporting finding a cure for cancer. Without people who care enough to devote their time and resources, we would still be generations away from finding a cure. So get a group together and support the American Cancer Society and their quest to eradicate cancer from this world.

By Howard Gottlieb

The Relay for Life is an event that has changed millions of people's lives, and this is not an exaggeration. It has given hope to the hopeless and happiness to the unhappy. Cancer is a scary and hard thing to go through. The Relay for Life cancer fundraiser gives millions the hope that we will find a cure. It has given happiness to the people who are facing this alone. When a team is preparing to go to the Relay for Life, there is some certain Relay for Life gear and equipment that they need to bring in order for the team to perform as best as they can.

One very important thing to remember when packing Relay for Life gear is the weather. The majority of Relay for Life events are done outside. The team needs to watch the weather so they will know how to dress appropriately. Many teams have themes and costumes that they where. If it is raining or snowing, this can be frustrating when putting the costume together. So a good tip to remember is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

If your team's costume may be ruined with rain, sleet, or snow, come up with a plan B so that the team will know what to do in case of bad weather. The team also needs to have a tent. There are relays that last overnight and through a weekend. If this is the case, the team should pack sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and toiletries. Sneakers, snacks, and water are also needed. Decorations for your campsite are may be needed depending on your theme. You should also bring items such as flashlights, radios, chairs, and tables. Your team will be very active, so whatever your costume may be, you want to make sure that it is as comfortable as possible.

There are also certain items that you shouldn't bring. Grills, fire logs, or anything flammable should stay at home. Pets may also not be wanted. Every relay is different, so check with the event if you have any questions about Relay for Life gear. Alcohol and tobacco products are also discouraged. This is a fight for cancer, so smoking is probably not the wisest thing to do.

Each relay is different for the requirements for Relay for Life gear. If you do have any questions of what you should and shouldn't bring, contact the head of the event and they should have an answer.

By Howard Gottlieb

There are many events and gatherings that people attend in order to help a greater good. For example, there are charity balls, fun runs, cancer fundraisers, auctions or parties. There are hundreds of ways to help raise money for people in need, but there is one way in particular that is spreading like wild fire. It is the Relay for Life, and it is coming to you. This is an event that not only helps to fight cancer, but brings the people involved closer together. A Relay for Life team theme adds the element of excitement and creativity in every group involved.

The Relay for Life event has always been a reason to celebrate life and family. With a Relay for Life team theme, it allows for the group to dress up and get into another character when they might have never been able to. A theme is not required, but is encouraged. A popular theme is the jungle theme. Each member can dress up like a character in the jungle and the slogan can be "Running Wild for a Cure". People can make their own costumes or rent them from a costume store. Making the costumes is more fun for most because they get to use their creativity and inspirations.

Another common theme is the hunter theme. The team can dress up in camouflage and having hunting gear on. Their slogan can be "Hunting for a Cure." These themes are great, but the team can do whatever they would like. You can have an 80's theme, futuristic theme, presidents theme, clown theme, or anything theme that you can possibly think of. There are teams that do not have themes and still have a great time. Another plus about creating a theme is that you are more likely to raise more money. When people hear that you are dressing up like Mickey Mouse or Cinderella, they are more likely to donate more money. More money creates more research which may create a new cure.

Raising money is what the relay started out as, but it has turned into something much more than that. It is a celebration of life and hope. A Relay for Life team theme is not required, but it more fun, raises more money, and brings people closer together. The Relay for Life is growing faster than wild fire, catch on.