Relay for Life
Relay For Life
By Kendyl Chavez
Relay for Life is an organization that teams up with the American Cancer Society in hopes of bringing awareness to cancer and honor cancer fighters and survivors. In order to participate in the relay, individuals are asked to form a team and raise money for the American Cancer Society before joining the relay. Once the teams are formed, they camp out overnight and each team takes turns running or walking around a path or track that is set up by the foundation. These events last up to 24 hours long; due to the fact that “cancer never sleeps” each team is asked to have at least one of its members on the track at all times throughout the events. Other than doing laps around the track, participants are exposed to numerous games and activities, food and drinks, raffles and contests, and much more.
On campus, our very own Jill Brown and LaNell Howell, have joined together to form a relay team of their own right on campus! Team Captain, Jill Brown and her partner LaNell Howell started selling different types of chocolate covered pretzels on campus three years ago in order to raise money for Relay for Life. Pretzels range from $1 for one pretzel to $10 for six pretzels, and all precedes goes towards their team. Depending on how many pretzels you purchase, these ladies complete each order with an Easter themed gift bag. Not only do they sell these delicious pretzels, these women also put on a “Dessert Throw Down” where competitors compete for the title of having the best dessert. The judges for this event pay to judge and like the pretzels, all proceeds from this event goes towards their Relay for Life fund.
Relay for Life events bring in communities from all across the globe. The city of Taft happens to be one of the many participating communities! Taft’s relay takes place on May 17th at 9:00 a.m. at the Taft High School track. Taft’s relay is a public relay where participants do not have to be part of a team, and everyone is welcome and invited to come and walk to cure cancer! If you are interested in joining one of the teams on campus, Captain Jill Brown invites anyone to join! She has two teams that consist of 30 participants, so if interested, be sure to claim your spot as soon as possible!