Post date: Mar 15, 2017 4:03:54 PM
March is the National Awareness Month for three types of cancer: kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, and multiple myeloma. According to the American Cancer Society, these three cancers are expected to claim 77,250 lives in 2017.
To bring attention to these life threatening diseases, junior Ryan Murphy is encouraging all students to support Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is a unique team-based fundraiser that is based on different teams from an area gathering to walk around a local track or footpath. A normal Relay for Life lasts 24 hours to symbolize the ongoing struggles a cancer patient faces in every moment of his or her life. Each team is required to man a tent that receives donations, sells food or goods, or collects money by hosting various games. These proceeds contribute to everything from cancer research and treatment to a 24/7 Lifeline Service.
“Relay for Life began in the USA in May 1985 when colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, wanted to raise awareness of cancer and boost the income of his local cancer charity. He spent a grueling twenty-four hours circulating a track in Tacoma, Washington, and raised over US$27,000, and showed that one person really can make a difference,” according to relayforlife.org.
Thirty-two years later, Relay for Life has grown from one man to four million men, women, children and is now the largest fundraiser in the United States.
“Last year I did an event, and I thought it would be a good cause to bring to the school because everyone is affected in some way by cancer. It would motivate others to work on this project,” says Ryan.
This year, the Iona Prep Relay for Life team will be involved in two events. The first will be held on May 20th at Concordia College, Eastchester NY, and the second on June 10th at Gorton High School, Yonkers NY. The team's quota for this year is $10,000.
To achieve Ryan’s goal to “paint the school purple” in support of cancer patients and survivors, there will be a dress down Thursday, March 16. In addition, he hopes to host a bake sale and a penny war between the homeroom classes.
In the future, Ryan even plans to hold a Relay for Life event at the Iona Prep track and reach out to work with other high schools. The ultimate goal he says is to “learn from our mistakes, better ourselves, and help other schools with Relay for Life.”
-Michael Bachmann