Relay For Life Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur 2014 by National Cancer Society Malaysia

Grapevine committee members and Advisor upon arrival to Padang Petaling Jaya.

Relay for Life is a community gathering where anyone can participate in the fight against cancer. Participation fee is only RM 25 per person and a choice of camping out with tent at rental price of RM 60 per unit or RM 40 for a space for 16 hours. There is a designated space for all the tents and a track for participants to take turns to walk or run on for 16 continuous hours It is a sixteen hours event which celebrates survivors, remembers loved ones, and brings together millions of people to raise funds to help prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from the disease. It was Grapevine’s honor to have this opportunity to represent KDU UC to attend this meaningful event.

Upon arrival at Dataran Petaling Jaya, the crowd was already building up andthe process of getting registered was a breeze as the organiser had it all sorted out in the respective registration lanes.  Each participant received a non-woven bag with some goodies and a Relay for Life T-shirt. An entry wristband is given upon registration and all participants are to wear the wristband at all times for access to the field and there were volunteers in charge to check the wristbands at all access check points to ensure participant safety.

All participants are required to wear the T shirt provided for easy identification. There were many small stalls surrounding the field which sold a variety of food and beverages and also some merchandise. The coupon purchasing system was implemented and we were being informed that all sales will be contributed to the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) the main organiser of the event.

The event officially started at 6pm with all the participating cancer survivors given the honor to officiate the first round of the 16 hour walk/ run with the co-organiser and sponsors to carry on in the next round. Participants were then encouraged to take turns to keep the track occupied. The significance of this event was to show support while keeping in mind those who have fought and are still fighting cancer.

There were many performances and activities lined up all the way to 12am to keep the participants occupied. One of the stalls encouraged people to donate their hair (minimum length of 8inches) to make wigs for cancer patients.

The team that completed the 16 hour walk! 

Overall, it provided good exposure and a great experience being among people who are so enthusiastic about helping and contributing back to the society through this event. It is indeed a recommended event for our students to participate in.