14 February, 2011
The Relay for Life Kick-off event is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 16 at 6:30PM in the HHS Cafeteria. Read the invitation from high school senior, Evan Katz.
Aside from the Marathon, few events characterize Hopkinton like the annual Relay for Life event in May. This overnight walk to raise funds for cancer research not only succeeds in raising tens of thousands of dollars each year, but also brings the town together in ways seldom achieved. Put on by the American Cancer Society, along with a huge effort from in-town residents, Relay for Life’s dusk-to-dawn schedule parallels the journey that anyone fighting cancer will go through, from the dark times of treatments to the first light that signifies success.
Relay for Life participants range from the young to old, from survivors to those currently fighting the disease. All are invited to the event, the only prerequisite being a desire to assist cancer research funding by making an effort to fundraise themselves. With each participant the amount of money raised increases, as do the funds that will be dedicated not only to research, but also towards assisting those currently undergoing treatment, in facilities such as the Hope Lodge in Boston.
The Relay for Life planning committee, a group of middle-high school students and adults, recently took a trip to Hope Lodge, cooking dinner for the guests at the lodge while gaining perspective on the struggle the guests are currently going through. The Hope Lodge is a building created two years ago that offers free lodging and meals to patients undergoing treatments in local Boston hospitals, providing them a convenient and comfortable place to stay for the duration of their treatments, and also saving them thousands of dollars in living expenses. Expecting a somber mood, the Relay for Life members cooking the meal for the guests were surprised and inspired by the high morale of the cancer patients at the Hope Lodge, everyone there enthusiastically engaged in conversation and seeming to draw from each other’s positive attitude.
For those interested in participating in Relay for Life, all are welcome to attend the Relay Kick-Off event, taking place on Wednesday, February 16th, in the High School Cafeteria. This evening event will feature a slideshows of photos from last year’s relay, survivor speeches, and food for all involved. Previously thought of as an event only for team captains, this event now invites all Relay for Life participants to join together in preparation for another successful year. For more information on how to help your community and raise money for cancer research, contact gillian.baudreau@cancer.org (781-314-2633) or visit Relay for Life.
See the video below by Alexis Torosian inviting everyone to the Kick-off.
