By Kyle Khatchadourian
Staff Writer
For the second year in a row, Mira Costa hosted the annual 24-hour cancer awareness event, Relay For Life, at Waller Stadium on May 19.
Two years ago the community became aware of the relay when Costa senior Eliza Gesten formed a Relay For Life Club on campus. The event is held to raise awareness about cancer and how the disease affects everyone, not just the one diagnosed. Anyone is allowed to participate in the event, and all community members are encouraged to join the event to further cancer awareness.
“Last year was such a good outcome and so many people were involved, I really didn’t think it would get much bigger, but it did,” Gesten said.
In order to participate in the event, members had to join a team that included between seven and 14 participants. Each team member takes turns walking around the track a certain amount of times. At least one member from each team must be either walking or running around the track during the duration of the relay.
“When I heard that I could be involved in a fundraiser that draws more attention to cancer and the awareness needed to raise money for the good cause, I was more than willing to put my all in,” senior Stevie Giovatti said.
Throughout the day, teams and individuals participated in games and activities to keep everyone involved and engaged in the cause while they took a break from the track.
“Watching the fundraiser bring in more people was like a dream come true,” Gesten said.
This year, the Relay For Life had a much larger turnout than last year, with more than 350 participants involved. Relay for Life Club was able to surpass its fundraising goal of $25,000 with $40,000 raised.
“Watching the event get bigger feels like such an accomplishment,” Gesten said. “It feels really good to know that you’re spending your own time to help a cause that affects the majority of today’s society.”
Even though the relay seemed identical to last year’s event, the purpose changed slightly.
Previously, the fundraiser focused solely on raising enough money to reach their goal. This year, all parties involved decided to focus more on the event and spreading cancer awareness.
“This year was really neat to be a part of,” senior Delphi Borich said. “I got to perform with Costa’s ComedySportz team on the main stage, and it was such an honor to entertain while participants had some down time.”
Along with entertainment, the event had multiple guest speakers who talked about personal involvement with cancer and how it has effected them and the people around them.
“Being a part of a fundraiser that is helping a cause that hurts so many families is so special,” junior Abha Nath said.
For more information on Relay For Life, visit the Facebook group “MB/Costa Relay For Life.”
“It is truly an honor to be a part of Relay For Life and to know that this is going to be an annual event at Mira Costa,” Nath said.
The Relay For Life Club on campus hopes to continue the celebration of life and the fight against cancer.”
“Don’t be afraid to come out and support the cause; we’re all here to raise awareness about cancer,” Gesten said.
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