As the lights grow dimmer and the night gets darker, one source of light endures to fill Evelyn Greer Park and its temporary inhabitants; not the luminarias that ring the track, but the spirits of those so determined to the cause of fighting cancer that they would sacrifice a soft bed and a full night’s sleep to raise money and awareness for the cause.
“As vicious as cancer is, the battle against it produces a silver lining. This disease, without meaning to, creates unity – unity between family, friends, and loved ones,” said Caitlin Kaloostian, senior and captain of the Relay For Life team, “Hoot.” “It brings everyone closer together and strengthens us. Thus, we will never cease to wage war against this horrid disease.”
Since the first Relay For Life event occurred 18 years ago, over 5,200 teams across the country have raised over $4 billion for the American Cancer Society. Donated funds contribute not only to cancer research but also to Hope Lodges, where patients and caregivers can have a place to stay during treatment, Look Good… Feel Better sessions to cope with skin changes and hair loss, and even college scholarships for student cancer survivors.
“The Pinecrest relay is a wonderful community building event. There are constantly opportunities for someone to meet new people and work together on accomplishing a shared goal,” said Cindy Lerner, Mayor of the Village of Pinecrest. “Together as a community we are informing ourselves and others about living a healthy lifestyle. It is especially gratifying to see so many high school students participating by creating their own teams.”
The Pinecrest Relay For Life event on March 16 and 17 consists of over 35 teams, each promoting a different type of cancer and offering a unique food and activity to raise money for the cause. With the theme “Green,” relay attendees can expect to handle owls with Kaloostian’s team, “Hoot,” play a bean bag game with junior Austin Valido’s team, “The Green Giants,” or purchase UV-bead bracelets with Mayor Cindy Lerner’s team, “Incredible Hulk.”
“I think it is great and beneficial to the event that young students are getting involved with leadership, especially in light of most students’ already busy schedules and relative lack of funds,” Valido said.
The event will offer musical performances, a silent auction, inflatable play areas, and plenty of walking to those who attend. One fundraising event in particular involved handcuffing and “arresting” unsuspecting attendees, who were released upon the donation of one dollar by a friend or family member.
“Last relay my team paid for the Palmetto students (Chris Fisk especially) who were in charge of the police activity to ‘arrest’ me,” Kaloostian said. “He just picked me up, tossed me over his shoulder, and put me in a fake jail. My team wouldn’t post my bail – lovely people.”
Cancer survivors kick off the relay with their opening lap, after which the other teams follow and continue to circle the track until the following morning (At least one member of each team must walk on the track at all times.) A considerable portion of the fundraiser’s earnings derives from the sale of luminarias, paper bags filled with sand and a candle lit in honor or in memory of cancer victims. These bags line the elliptical track and signify a noticeable transition between the commotion of day and the quiet, reverent aura that persists through the night and following morning.
“I really enjoy walking around and visiting each booth, but my favorite part is the Luminaria ceremony at night,” Mayor Lerner said. “The entire park is darkened, but all of the memorials have a candle lit and we walk the track to memorialize all the people we love who we have lost to cancer. It is a very emotional experience, but is beautifully done.”