In eighth grade I was introduced to an amazing event that will forever hold a special place in my heart. A friend invited me to participate in the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay For Life at our local high school. This one-night experience takes place all over the country, where people form teams to raise money for the ACS up until the night of relay, and then spend the night walking around a track and camping out because “cancer never sleeps.”
After having such a great time being a part of a team for the first year I participated, I chose to be a captain of my own team for the next four years of high school. There was something about this event that had me wanting to be more involved year after year. Sadly, we all know someone who is in some way affected by cancer, and I wanted to help fight this in some way.
Relay For Life turns fundraising into a fun night that unites everyone for the fight against cancer. There are multiple events that go on throughout the night that celebrate our loved ones who have to face the battle; there are also fun activities to keep everyone awake.
The success this event has at my high school made me want to be even more involved, which is why I became a part of the committee my senior year. I helped organize and put on the event, which made me feel like I was finally making a contribution to this fundraiser. I wanted to continue helping in college, so I joined TCNJ’s Colleges Against Cancer this year.
Last week, we started our relay season with the kickoff party and our first team captain meeting. It’s finally that time of year when we prepare for the most important night of the semester. Throughout the fall, we fund raised for the ACS in other ways, but this semester is all about focusing on relay.
I think the reason I always look forward to this event is because of the effect it has on all of the communities it brings together. Seeing everyone participate to help put a stop to this horrible disease is eye-opening. I don’t think we realize how many of us are affected by cancer in some way. It seems that we all know of at least one person who has fought the battle, is fighting it now or lost to it in the past.
The night is filled with many tears, but there are also multiple opportunities to smile. We mourn those we lost during the Luminaria Ceremony and we celebrate those who are still fighting and who won the fight during the Fight Back Ceremony. And throughout the rest of the night, our loved ones are always on our minds.
TCNJ’s Relay For Life is Friday, April 15, and I can’t wait to see our community unite for a special night to celebrate, remember and fight back.
