Relay for life is a community-based fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Each year, more than 5,000 Relay For Life events take place in over twenty countries. On April 6, a relay was held at the Sportsplex in Coral Springs where many students from MSD attended to help raise money and awareness for cancer.

The event took place on the track at the Sportsplex which was lined with tents featuring goods for sale and games to play in exchange for tickets. The money spent on these tickets is gathered and donated to the American Cancer Society. The track was also lined with paper bags that had been decorated to honor individuals who have been affected by cancer.

The largest tent on the field housed food for survivors and their families to enjoy as the event continued. It is present at every Relay for Life to show the organization’s appreciation for the survivors’ strength and courage as they do their best to help others who are in similar situations.

Entertainment was also provided for the enjoyment of the participants throughout the night. The MSD drumline performed every hour while walking a lap around the track before the theme of the next hour was announced. There are various themed laps meant to get participants involved and excited about walking to raise money from their teams’ sponsors. The themes varied from the Kids Gold Lap for pediatric cancer to a first responders lap and even included a crazy hat lap. Certain attendees also sang sporadically as the night went on to entertain the participants.

Many students from MSD went to support the cause, whether because they had been personally affected by cancer, or just to support organizations dedicated to awareness and research to find a cure.  

“I’ve always come to these events with my parents because we’ve had cancer in the family so we’re very supportive of cancer organizations because they’re doing a lot to help society as a whole,” junior Leah Ronkin said.

Other students attended the event because they find it empowering to unite as a community. They feel that a lot can be accomplished when the entire community works together and find these moments of unity very touching.

“It’s always nice to have moments like these where we get to be together as a community and do something charitable, I think that’s really important,” senior Amanda De LaCruz said.

Overall, the participants found the event to be successful since funds were raised for the cause and awareness was spread. The next local relays will take place on April 12. Relay for life Plantation will take place at 9151 NW 2nd St in Plantation, Fl, and Relay for Life Davie will take place at 3301 College Ave in Davie, Fl.