Local Relay for Life Event Helps to Raise Money For A Cause
Cancer; It sucks. As soon as the word is spoken, images of people balding in bandanas come to mind. And while this is true, cancer absolutely sucks, Relay for Life has brought back positive thinking to those affected by cancer everywhere.
In our small community, there are many Relay for Life teams. One very important team in our community is “Sista’s For a Cure.” Its members are Taylor Chaplin, JoEllen Reynolds, Eva Warren-Hill, Alexis Hill, Megan Hill, Tara Carlisle, Stephanie Sargent, and Josh Clemons (who is called “Mister Sister”). Eva Warren-Hill is Orange County’s Event Chair, and JoEllen Reynolds is Co-Chair. These eight people have been a part of Relay for Life for years, raising money to fight the disease.
This remarkable team has the courage to stand up in front of our entire school every year and try their best to ask for more help. They do not ask for pity. They never go up there with something to make us cry. They come up telling about what fun that Relay for Life can be. They talk about coming together, making friends, and having a big event with music, food, and games. They also organize all of the “Coaches vs. Cancer” events at our school.
Orange County had 22 teams participate in the past year. Together, the 168 participants raised a total of $17,820. Sista’s For a Cure raised $1,800 of this total.
“It was by far not our best,” said member Taylor Chaplin.
Chaplin, a well-known senior here at PHS, has been on the team for twelve years. Her story begins when she was six years old, and her cousin Alexis Hill was diagnosed with leukemia. Her life became centered on the disease. She, along with her family, wanted to do something to help.
“Relay for Life is a way to give back and help those who have been touched by cancer without having to be the health care professional,” said Chaplin.
Their team formed, and they have not looked back. However, more members have been added along the way. The goal of Sista’s For a Cure is to keep fighting, and to keep encouraging others to join for the cause.
“EVERYONE has been affected by this disease in some form, especially our community. Our school has been touched by cancer in multiple ways, and I would love to see more student come support and help fight back,” said Chaplin.
Chaplin, who has been so close to the disease for such a long time, manages to keeps positive. You will often see her with a smile. Cancer has affected her life in many ways, but because of it, she knows exactly who she wants to be in life.
“I decided that I wanted to become a pediatric oncologist and haven’t changed my mind since,” said Chaplin.
The great thing about Relay for Life is, anyone can join. It does not matter how old someone is, as long as the leader of the group is over eighteen. Whether or not someone has personally been affected by cancer, they can help the cause. And they get to have fun while they do it.
“I love every part of Relay for Life. It is such an amazing, fun-filled time. I honestly can’t decide my favorite part. Everything is just a wonderful experience and enjoyable,” said Chaplin.
Every year, there are over four million people in twenty different countries that participate in Relay for Life. And while this large group of people raises money and spirits, more help is still needed. Cancer is not going away. Anyone can help fight the disease; it is as simple as joining a team and having a good time.
Story by Lindsay Begley
Looking to Join?
- Form a group of people willing to participate in fund raising and Relay for Life.
- Raise $100 as a group for a minimum fund raising entry fee.
- Register your team for your event of choice, including the 2014 Orange County Relay for Life
- Go to www.relayforlife.org, hover over to “My Relay” tab and click find an event
If there are any further questions about OC Relay for Life, contact Ryan Rigg at 812-475-9486 or [email protected]
Info by Caitlyn Cornwell
What is Relay?
Relay For Life is a community fund raising walk to help raise money for those affected by cancer. The Relay For Life event welcomes communities to come enjoy entertainment, food and games, in addition to walking.
Not every Relay is the same. Events sometimes vary depending on community and location. Key moments in every Relay is the Survivors Lap and Luminaria Ceremony. Survivors of cancer have the opportunity to break in the track with the first lap, celebrating their successful battle. Those who have lost the battle are honored as well by the Luminaria Ceremony. Lit candles in paper bags surround the track, marking their absence and paying respect.
The Relay For Life event started in 1985 by Gordy Klatt. Just by walking around a track, he ultimately raised $27,000 and since then the number of supporters of the event has skyrocketed.
Money raised or donated goes to the American Cancer Society, which researches causes and cures of cancer. The money also goes to patients receiving treatment. To find out more information and details go to www.cancer.org.
Story by Cassidy Daugherty
Get Involved
Relay is not just for those suffering with cancer, or those who have lost the fight – it is for anyone wanting to get involved. Here are a few ways you can lend a hand.
Start a New Team
1. Find a local Relay for Life Event
2. Gather, recruit and organize a team of friends, family members and coworkers.
3. There is no maximum number of how many members you can have on a team.
Join an Existing Team
1. Find a team in your community and join.
2. On the team members help raise money for local Relay for Life Event
3. When joining this team members commit to walking around the track to support their team.
Become a Committee Member
1. Talk to your event chair or staff partner and see how you can get involved.
2. You can also call your local Relay for Life event committee or staff member.
3. Committee members ensure everything is organized.
Volunteer
1. Visit your local American Cancer Society office.
2. Call a local Relay for Life event coordinator.
3. Volunteers can help stuff envelopes and set up the day of the event.
Info by Raigan Tinkle
