Why Are the Town Common Lights Purple?

WILMINGTON - The American Cancer Society uses purple to symbolize survivorship. So this month, Wilmington's Relay For Life will light the Common purple to honor these people.

The lighting coincides with the countdown to the town’s annual Relay event which will be held on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Wilmington High School. That family fun gathering honors cancer survivors and their caregivers.

The American Cancer Society reports there are almost 14.5 million cancer survivors in the US alone, and they estimate 364,460 live here in Massachusetts. That is the focus of Relay – Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back.

The Relay is not an athletic event. It’s a night of games, children's activities, music and food where teams of people simply take turns walking laps around the track. Relay is an overnight experience with entertainment for all.

Everyone is invited to attend and share in the fun, even if not registered with a team or spending the night. For more information, please contact Julie Rauseo at 781-314-2668 or at Julie.Rauseo@cancer.org. You can also visit www.wilmingotnrfl.com.