For the sixth consecutive year, Baptist Hospital will host the American Cancer Society’s East Kendall Relay for Life — an all-night survivors’ celebration, camp out and relay-style walk around the hospital campus lake.
The fundraiser, which begins at noon, Saturday, Mar. 19, and ends the next morning, benefits cancer research, education and patient services. Last year’s Relay for Life at Baptist Hospital raised $225,000 for the American Cancer Society, the most money raised by any Relay in South Florida. The American Cancer Society conducts dozens of Relay for Life fundraisers throughout the region each year.
This year at Baptist Hospital, 8900 N. Kendall Dr., more than 3,500 participants are expected to pitch tents and pull an all-nighter for the cause.
It works like this: People of all ages form 10- to 15-member teams to walk relay style around the lake. Team registration is $100 plus any other money the team may collect from pledges and fundraisers.
Cancer survivors are given special T-shirts and are invited to take the first lap around the lake. They will be treated to a special dinner and other gifts. A moving candlelight ceremony at 9 p.m. will honor people battling cancer and those who have died from the disease.
A free screening for oral cancer will be offered by Baptist Health physicians in a lakeside tent from 2 to 4 p.m.
The event continues overnight as participants enjoy food and entertainment, play games and even get a chance to sleep in their tents between laps.
The event is supported by Baptist Health South Florida. Its staff and patients help plan the event and will be participating.
“We’re delighted to host this community event because cancer care is a big part of what we do,” said Baptist Hospital CEO Bo Boulenger. “It’s inspiring to see so many of our physicians, employees and former cancer patients take part in this event.”
For more information and to register, call Yomayra Mora at the American Cancer Society, 305-779-2860 or go online to <www.relayforlife.org/ekfl>.
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organizations’ fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.
