White paper bags, listing the names of people who have or are currently
struggling with cancer, lined the edge of the auditorium’s stage at
Harborfields High School on Feb. 6.
As part of the district’s Relay for Life kick-off event, students,
district administrators and community members offered words of hope and
compassion to those in the audience affected by the disease.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Francesco Ianni spoke about the loss of
his mother to cancer and the importance of getting involved in Relay for
Life.
Alyssa Patrone, a representative of the American Cancer Society,
encouraged audience members to join a pre-existing Relay for Life team
or create a new one and join other like-minded individuals at the high
school’s track on June 6 to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer.
‘Our goal is to get everyone here involved,” she said.
As of Feb. 6, 55 participants had registered to join a total of 12 teams
and had already raised $5,103 for the cause. The top three teams, “Team
We Care,” “Team Storch,” and “Striding for a Cure,” were recognized on
stage for their contributions.
The funds raised help the American Cancer Society to research early
detection and prevention and provide comprehensive support to
individuals affected by cancer. The society is currently investing more
than $405 million towards cancer research.
The evening concluded with a luminaria ceremony, were students,
teachers, staff and community members lit candles to remember the lives
of those lost to cancer.