Relay for Life touches many

By Izzy Schmidt

Hundreds sat in the auxiliary gym, silently listening to the touching stories of cancer patients, many in tears, are compelled to push to find a cure. Supporters, fighters, and survivors gathered in the Silverado gymnasium at Friday, April 25 from 6 p.m. to Saturday, April 26 at 6 a.m. for this year’s Relay for Life lock-in to raise awareness and funding for cancer research.

Due to the wind and potential rain, the event was moved from the football field to the school’s main gym. Groups came from different schools and activities ranging from Key Clubs to swim teams. Many brought tents and sleeping bags, some carried in couches, and there were even a few TV sets.

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony by the American Cancer Foundation. A cheerful introduction began where the leaders of the event were introduced, and the crowd was thanked for the large donations of money going towards cancer research.

“I learned about the gravity of cancer and how it can affect the people closest. It was a real eye opening experience,” Mark Lao, junior, said.

After the opening celebration, the campers took a lap around the gym and went back to setting up their group’s campsites.

Later in the evening, all participants were called into the dark auxiliary gym for a more somber meeting. Touching cancer stories were told, but the focus was on remembering those who have lost their lives to cancer.

Once the assembly concluded, another lap was taken, and led by people who have had cancer touch their lives: fighters, survivors, and families of those who lost the battle. Following a path marked by glow sticks around the dark campus, the crowd was silent to show respect.

“Relay for Life has been an amazing experience. It really shows you how cancer has affected everyone in one way or another,” Ethan Vu, freshman, said.

During the night there were many light-hearted mini-games, local high school bands and the Silverado varsity dance team performed.

The American Cancer Foundation’s Relay for Life touched the lives of many and helped raise awareness and funds for necessary cancer research.