I am the Survivor Co-Chair for the Westshore Relay in Tampa, Fl. 

Last year our reception was really blah. This year, we are better organized and know what we're doing so we're able to add some fun things to make it more enjoyable for all.

People leaving is an issue that's hard to address, because you really can't stop someone from going. Try to plan something that will make them want to stick around for a little while, but something not too long. You don't want the reception to go too long, 20-40 minutes at the most so the survivors can get back to the Relay and their families. Last year, our survivors only stuck around for the prize drawing and the food. This year, our theme is "Cancer isn't a game," so we're incorporating the game of Life into our reception. We're putting together a mini game after they eat, where the survivors play a quick game and they all win a small prize. That way, everyone hangs around for a bit longer and they all get to take something home instead of just having a select amount of big prizes.

To address the luminaria issue, we are having a little candle garden during the reception, where survivors write their name on a tea candle, and they they are lit and placed in one of the designated areas. We've decided to group them by the years of remission (ie less than one year, 2 years, 5 years, 10, 15, etc.). That way everyone can see how far they've come, and give hope to those who haven't been in remission that they can make it. The majority of our survivors last year had made it to 10 years or more, so there'll be lots of hope. Plus, it's just dang pretty.

 That way if they leave and don't come back for the luminaria ceremony or whatever, they've at least had a small one.

 And, at our closing ceremony, we throw free knickknacks into the audience. Incentive to stay :).

*Krystal

Remington College Tampa
National Technical Honor Society
CANCER BUSTERS: Bustin' a cap in cancer on March 30-31 2007!