Relay for Life fought back cancer

Celebrate. Remember. Fight back. These three words make up the famous tagline for American Cancer Society’s 24-hour signature walk-a-thon event, Relay for Life.

Relay for Life is an annual community fundraising event where participants commemorate those who have lost their lives, currently battling against, or who have won the battle against cancer. All proceeds go directly towards cancer research, education, awareness, and free patient services.

Held at Canyon Middle School, Castro Valley’s Relay for Life has raised over $100,000 over these past three years, with hundreds of participants and several teams enrolled.

Several on campus clubs and organizations have been involved with Relay for Life, such as Key Club, Unicef, CVHS American Red Cross, CVHS American Cancer Society, and Urbanize.

“I participated in RFL because I was fond of the cause. I’ve had family members affected by cancer and I thought what would be better than to give back to the community,” said senior Ashna Deo.

Many activities are held at Relay for Life. Every year, the event begins with its opening ceremony and survivor lap. Afterwards, participants are able to walk on the track, playing different games and activities that each relay team has produced. Activities such as zumba dancing are also part of the event for those who enjoy getting that early workout in.

In the afternoon, the popular and much anticipated Miss Relay competition is held. Miss Relay is a beauty pageant in which men dress up as women. The fierce competition does get heated on stage, which makes this pageant entertaining and fun to watch.

At night, the luminaria ceremony is held, in which a video honoring the cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer is presented. This emotional ceremony reminds every participant the reason why we should always remember, celebrate, and fight back.

Relay for Life is truly an a fun, worthwhile, and inspiring event. Participants always leave the event feeling that they have made an impact in the community.

“Relay has showed me that so many other people are victims of cancer and that we all fight for the same cause by fundraising, celebrating, and honoring cancer patients,” said junior Joanna Lam.

For those who are interested in participating in next year’s Relay for Life, the date has already been set to be on July 19, 2014. Mark those calendars if interested in participating in next year’s relay.