Relay for Life (in association with the American Cancer Society) is an organization dedicated to funding cancer research and some OHS teachers such as Spanish teacher Sr. Whalen, is preparing for the event.
With more than 20 teams and 100 participants, students, teachers, and volunteers alike can raise funds very quickly. With the event held on Osceola’s track field, there is room for plenty of participants. Most Relay events begin with the Survivors Lap, where anyone who is a cancer survivor, joins other survivors in an initial lap around the track.
“The day of the relay we camp out, pitch a tent and listen to cancer survivors, which I happen to be,” said Sr. Whalen.
Some groups have participated for many years such as Sr. Whalen’s Spanish club.
“My team, which is the Spanish club has done this for 13 years now. We hold functions that help the overall relay.”
Scheduled for May 3rd, the event begins at 6 and last throughout the night.
“It goes on all night, and each team takes turns to walk the track,” said Sr. Whalen.
Every bit helps, as Osceola and participants have already raised over $8,000 in funds. The final events of Relay are ‘The Luminaria Ceremony,’ where candles are lit, bearing the name of person who has cancer and ‘The fight Back Ceremony,’ where participants make personal commitments to keep up the fight against cancer (i.e. getting screen tests, quit smoking).
“To see all the kids and all the participants rallying to a cause is very touching. It is very emotional,” said Sr. Whalen.
Anyone can become a part of Relay for Life and raise funds to support cancer research. So far OHS FBLA and OHS Spanish club have signed up. Start by searching for an event here and signing up here at the official Relay for Life website. For more information about this specific Relay event including participants and teams click here or for event descriptions click here.
