By Erica Schneider
Staff Writer
The Manhattan Beach community and the Mira Costa High School community are teaming up to participate in the American Cancer Society’s annual 2010 event, Relay For Life.
Junior Eliza Gesten formed the Relay For Life Club, which will sponsor the event where students, parents and community members will be working together to organize the walk. The event is set to take place at Mira Costa in the spring.
“My old town in Massachusetts loved the Relay For Life, and I was a member of my team starting in the 5th grade. I’m hoping that the relay will catch on here, too,” Gesten said.
The Relay For Life is an overnight experience where people of all ages come together to honor cancer survivors and celebrate the memory of those who have lost their lives to the disease. Relay participants raise money for the American Cancer Society and bring awareness to the cause of curing cancer.
“We all know someone who’s been affected by cancer, so this is a really great way to get anyone who wants to make a difference involved in putting on a huge event that will be both be fun and meaningful to all of us,” junior Jordyn Irwin said.
To start, relay participants form teams of seven to 14 people to raise money for the cause. The event begins at 4 p.m. on the first day and continues until the next morning. It’s an overnight event in order to emphasize the fact that “cancer never sleeps.”
Each team sets up tents and everyone helps coordinate games and other activities. Team members take turns walking the track to remember those who have suffered from cancer.
“There’s a DJ, game booths, and lots of fun activities to keep people occupied all night. Most importantly, though, there is no sleeping allowed,” junior Carly McPherson said.
The Relay For Life culminates in the emotional survivors’ lap and is followed by the Luminaria Ceremony. During this ceremony, those who have lost their lives to cancer are remembered by custom decorated bags with lit candles on the inside.
The fundraising efforts of the volunteers are geared toward supporting cancer research and the many services provided by the American Cancer Society. The overall goal of the organization is to eradicate cancer for future generations.
“It’s great to be part of a club that I know is going to a really good cause, especially since it’s run by someone who is directly related and involved in the organization,” junior Jennifer Padilla said.
To learn more about Relay For Life club, join the Facebook group, MB/Costa Relay For Life. The club meets on Fridays in room 35.
“Cancer has left me feeling helpless. It took my grandmother away when I was 10 and my best friend’s mom when I was 13. The Relay For Life gives me the chance to fight back against this disease and invites others to do the same,” Gesten said.
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