Why This Student Lives to 'Relay'

My life has been relatively unaffected by cancer. Unlike most of the people I know, I do not have a close friend or relative who has suffered from cancer. And that is why I am participating in .  

I "relay," because I hope that others can experience the same luck that I have had. I know that with programs like Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society will be able to put more money into researching a cure for cancer.  

I first participated in the community Relay in 2008, when I was in the 8th grade, and I have participated ever since. This year, I got involved in ’s first ever high school Relay as a co-chair of publicity on the entirely student-run committee chaired by Agoura High juniors and Melissa Cook.

Agoura High's Relay For Life is an overnight, 14-hour event taking place at the school from 6 p.m. on May 20 to 8 a.m. on May 21. Although the event is three months away, we are working hard to create the best event possible. 

In early February, we had a , which was the high school's spin on the community’s normal Paint the Town Purple Week. We publicized the event with on-campus entertainment and events, culminating with an assembly, and ultimately reached our goal of 60 teams.  

While the event takes place at Agoura High, we’re also seeking the involvement of other local high schools, including Oak Park High. Aside from working to attract new participants and teams, we are also preparing for the event itself, securing entertainment and food.

While Relay is a fun and exciting event, the pinnacle of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony, where we commemorate those who have battled cancer—both those who have lost the fight and those who have won the fight. During this time, the Luminaria bags that line the track are illuminated.

These bags are decorated by the participants of Relay and are used to honor those we have known with cancer. Bags may be decorated both before the event and during the event for a donation of $10. To purchase Luminaria, visit this website. Or, to personally decorate a bag, contact Luminaria co-chair Kellyn Holmes.

Although we have reached our team goal, we still welcome people to form new teams. Because we are a high school Relay and are separate from the community Relay, we are targeting mostly students, but anyone is welcome. We are also still working toward our goals of 600 participants and $6,000 raised.  

Anyone can fight back, and even the smallest contributions help make a difference. To sign up for a team, join a team or to donate money, visit Relayforlife.org/agourahighschoolca. The last day to avoid the registration fee when signing up is Mar. 15.