Relay for Life is an international American Cancer Society organization that fundraises money to spread awareness about the ongoing issue of cancer. The Relay for Life movement takes place in over twenty countries throughout the world with over 4 million participants helping to save lives.
This year, Relay for Life of the Highlands took place on June 1 and 2 at the West Milford High School track. With over 45 teams and nearly 500 people partaking in the event, it was a very successful and enjoyable night. In addition, there were many student based teams that helped contribute.
According to www.relayforlife.org, the event is an “organized, overnight community fundraising walk” as well as a “family-friendly environment for the entire community.” Throughout the event, teams build camaraderie as they bond over supporting the same foundation. Members of all teams take turn walking around the track, as each team must have at least one member walking at all times. In order to achieve this, teams camp out at the track overnight. To help keep team members awake, food, games and activities are provided. Although it is encouraged, members participating are not required to stay for the entire event.
One teacher here at West Milford High School that is highly involved in Relay for Life is Mrs. Jennifer Metcalf. She got started with this event when her children wanted to give their birthday money to charities. Upon looking for new places to donate to, they came across Relay for Life. Since this took place eight years ago, Mrs. Metcalf and her family have been involved and created the team Celebrate Life. Due to her major involvement in the event, Mrs. Metcalf is the teacher liaison for our school. This means that she helps students out with their adventure of beginning Relay. Furthermore, Missy Townsend is the student liaison at our school.
At West Milford’s Relay for Life event this year, there were enough participants to make the night successful. With a number so high willing to raise money and awareness for cancer, $100,000 was raised. This outstanding number acts as a huge help toward the fight against cancer.
West Milford’s Relay event consisted of an opening ceremony at 2 PM, a luminary ceremony at 10 PM and a closing ceremony at 5:30 AM. In between all of this, people were constantly walking the track, as well as a DJ that provided music for entertainment. The long, sleepless night was a symbol of cancer, the disease that never sleeps.
