“Cancer doesn’t sleep, so neither will we.” Relay for Life is an all night event that took place on April 15, 2023 at Brooks- Debartolo Collegiate High School. The point of the event is to raise money all night with fun and events for cancer fighters and survivors.

Relay for Life first began in May of 1985, when Doctor Gordon “Gordy” Klatt ran for 24 hours straight in Tacoma, Washington for the American Cancer Society. In those 24 hours, Klatt was supported by 300 others and raised over $27,000 for cancer research. Ever since then, it became an annual tradition worldwide to have a cancer relay overnight and raise money for fighters and survivors.

Event lead, Tori Millington says, “We share a passion to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.” Millington went on to say, “In 2023 over 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Thanks to that shared passion, the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society can’t be stopped, ensuring we are here for everyone who needs us.”

The event will began at 5PM and ended at 5AM, to support their motto, “Cancer doesn’t sleep and neither will we.” Last year’s relay theme is “Destinations- Vacation: Journey For A Cure.” The event started at 5PM with an Opening Ceremony and the survivors and caregivers will take the first relay lap.

Followed by the first lap is a Survivor’s Reception. At 9PM a Luminaria Ceremony will took place.

“Luminarias honor every life touched by cancer.” Luminarias are lanterns dedicated to someone who has lost their life to cancer, battling cancer, or anyone who has beat cancer. They are decorated with names and messages by the loved ones of the dedicatee. When all of the luminarias are lit, there is a moment of silence to honor them.

Junior Ezinaye Ibiam, WCHS Relay for Life ambassador, says Relay for Life is important to her because she was working with a separate organization to celebrate breast cancer survivors, where she met the Relay for Life event lead. She loves the people involved and the cause. “This is the best service opportunity I’ve had by far.”

The Relay for Life fundraiser is important for WCHS because the school is uniting for fight for a cure and support of others against cancer, and a better community. Clubs at Chapel came up with their own ideas to raise money for patients and survivors.WCHS’ National Honors Society hosted a kickball game, and Gay-Straight Alliance is hosted a fashion show to help spread awareness.

Last year’s goal at Relay for Life is $125,000 and raised as of February 2023, $16,000. Wesley Chapel High School has six teams that worked with Relay for Life and was led by student government.

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