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.