By Kierra Lanier
The sight of people jogging, running, and walking along a track can be seen from the hill. These people have been there for hours, but it didn’t look as though they are stopping anytime soon. In fact, they only seem to be getting started. This event is the Relay for Life. On May 19 starting at 11:00 a.m., the Relay for Life will be held at the track at Clements.
The Relay for Life is a day long event to bring awareness to cancer, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Millions of people across the world participate in this event each year in order to fight back against cancer. Teams of people get together to run or walk during any part of the day or night. During the event, money is raised to donate for cancer research.
“It’s a great cause,” National Honor Society senior Carrie Young said. “It’s a great way to raise money for the American Cancer Society,
According to www.relayforlife.org, Relay for Life dates back all the way to 1985. Dr. Gordy Klatt was a colorectal surgeon who wanted to show his support for all of his patients who had battled with cancer and also wanted to bring in more money to the American Cancer Society for cancer research. So, in May of 1985, Dr. Klatt ran more than 80 miles around the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He raised around $27,000 for the American Cancer Society.
The National Honor Society is participating in this event again this year. For the past seven or eight years, NHS has had several of its members put time aside for the charity walk.
“NHS loves being part of an organization that helps out the community,” National Honor Society president David Mendoza said. “We love to do anything we can do to help out.”
The members of the NHS are more than happy to participate in the event and spend a good percentage of their day at the track.
“I feel really awesome about participating,” Young said. “Especially at the end when they have the Luminara Ceremony to remember those who have passed away due to cancer.”
The Luminara Ceremony is one of the last events in this year’s Relay. Candles and lights are lit around the track to remember those who have passed away due to cancer and to honor those who are still fighting the disease.
Normally, the Relay for Life would be held all throughout the day and into the night. But this year, the event will come to an end once night time comes. However, many of the members are still happy to be a part in the event.
“It’s good to be a part in a good organization,” Mendoza said.
Josh Kent • May 29, 2012 at 8:16 am
The relay for life is a great idea. Having family members who deal with cancer on a daily basis is really hard to live with, espcially in your own home. But it is so inspiring to see all of the different people rally behind such a good cause. It gives me hope, maybe someday if enough people help work towards a cure for cancer it won’t plage the human population anymore. The relay for life is an amazing organization, and I hope that they keep doing good work until cancer is no longer a problem.
Faven Butler • May 28, 2012 at 8:28 pm
The relay truly means alot to me because I have had family members suffer from cancer. I think it is touching for so many students to come out and support the patients. All types of people have united as one with one goal in mind, hope and prayer for their loved ones, and the dream for a cure one of these days.
Sarah Beth Howard • May 25, 2012 at 12:00 pm
The relay for life is one of the best community gatherings that is offered in the area. It raises awareness of cancer, but it also allows people to celebrate and cherish life. I was very young when my grandmother got cancer, and all I knew was that she was sick then. When I went to Relay for Life soon after, I realized it was so much more than just a sickness. It has the ability to crush a person’s will to live, especially when they know there is no hope. But places like this brings people together to see that a bond can be created between everyone that is deeper than just sharing an illness. They are truly stories of survival and understanding. Relay for Life helped me understand that, and it can continue to do that today.
Kayla Bishop • May 24, 2012 at 3:45 am
It makes me proud to know that groups from our school take the time to go out and participate in events like this. No matter how much money got raised at this event it really is the thought of the people who were there to support it that matters. Im sure that cancer patients and surivors or family’s of people who lost the fight with cancer are very honored by people doing this for them and i hope that a cure is in the near future. I liked this article but felt it would of been better if it described relay for life in better detail.
Marshall Dunn • May 23, 2012 at 8:13 pm
It’s great to see and hear that people care about eliminating cancer, and that Prince George is interested in finding a cure for this feared illness. Surely, with all of the support for the event, a cure for cancer is within the near future.
John Shumar • May 23, 2012 at 7:44 pm
I believe Relay for Life is one of the best community gatherings that Prince George puts together. This is a creative event because it is fun but somber, and it allows the whole community to come together in support of those who have lost loved ones. I like how the article provided some back ground information to this event.
Matthew Schneck • May 23, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Relay for Life is one of the greatest examples of community service at work. With such dedication and participation, a cure for cancer is surely just around the corner. Students need to look at Relay for Life as an example for future service projects that can improve the outlook for the current generation’s future. It is great to see that TRN takes pride in and advocates such events.
Stephen Brockwell • May 23, 2012 at 3:40 pm
The relay is a highly enjoyable event that supports an important cause. Through participation, people can give cancer victims support and have fun doing it. I am glad that this event is recognized by our school’s news program.
Megan Jonson • May 22, 2012 at 2:26 pm
I unfortunately could not attend Relay for life this year, but I am glad to see it was such a success as usual. I like, many others, have had family members suffer with cancer. So to see such a good cause and so many people be a part of it is amazing!