Relay for Life Preview

In May 1985, Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours in Tacoma, Washington to raise a sum of $33,000 for numerous cancer patients. That walk would eventually inspire volunteers in 5,200 communities from twenty countries to coordinate their very own run: The Relay for Life.

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Hosted by the National Honor Society, Relay for Life is an event in which various teams walk around a track on a designated path to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. The event runs overnight, and each member is designated to walk at different time periods throughout the day to ensure at least one member is on the track at all times to signify that just as cancer patients relentlessly fight, the students should also show their effort for one day.

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Walking, of course, is not the only event that takes place during Relay for Life. A guest speaker, ranging from parents to researchers, addresses a thoughtful speech to remind everyone of the importance to remember the ones we loved and cherished, to continue encouraging those currently fighting against the most fatal disease, and to never leave the corner of their ring. Following the speech, students share their painful but meaningful experiences of fighting cancer, an ideal homage to those who now live in peace. Last year, Luca Lee, currently a sophomore, spoke about the tough ride he had to go on with his grandfather in their path to conquering cancer. Though they fought hard, the miracle wasn’t meant to be, as his grandfather abruptly left the world. The SAS community gave him a warm hug, and a group of his peers even performed a short song for him. “It was the sincerest and considerate act of love my friends have shown to me. I'm sure my grandfather appreciated the tribute," said Lee.

Teams, in addition, make fundraising efforts through bake sales, bubble tea sales, and even barbecues to attain the team’s overall goal. The sales often happen a few weeks prior to the event, and we can easily spot some kind of sale around the study hall or lounge nearly every day in those weeks.

A significant amount of student contributions go behind the creations of teams, ultimately adding to student experience. Senior Jack Donohue reflects on his experience as team leader: "Initially, I was asked to be team leader as a favor to a few friends in my group. It's allowed me to utilize several of my organizational and leadership skills, as I'm no longer only responsible for myself, but also for others.”

While keeping the cause in mind, Donohue appreciates the event’s impact on building community. "Most of all I want to raise more money than our team had ever raised before. It's also my last opportunity to gather with some of my best friends and really come together for a joint cause. I hope to make a bigger impact as well as have more fun that we've ever had in past years. It's also rained every relay I've attended and I really want this one to be dry!"

One in three women and one in two men in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, and you never know someone you love may fall in this situation. You should join the 2.5 million people already contributing to the cause. The annual relay for life, hosted by the National Honor Society, will be on Friday, April 7, to Saturday, April 8. Forecasted to be sunny at 18ºC, the rain is not expected to be against us like in past years. To those who have the ACT and SISAC on April 8, you may opt to leave on the night of April 7.

When you relay, you save lives.

Stanley Park
Edits by Ana Ghiban and Emma Li