The Relay for Life connects over 4 million people in over 20 countries each year to raise money for the American Cancer Society. On May 30, the Relay will come to Bel Air High School, joining together students and the community for a cause that has touched everyone’s hearts in one way or another.

This is the fourth year that Relay for Life will be held on the Bobcat track. Relay for Life is a 12 hour event with constant activity from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The uplifting spirit is present throughout the entire event. The Relay begins with a survivors lap. Relay considers anyone that has ever lived with cancer (past or present) a survivor. They are then joined by their caregivers who help them through the difficult journey. Then the third lap is when everyone else joins in. At least one person from each team must be present on the track at all times (though most people walk in groups of two or more). Most teams set up tent/blankets on the infield of the track to provide breaks for those not walking.

The night is full of events other than just walking in the Relay. Teams can provide an onsite fundraiser which often includes games or fun products they are selling. In the past years coordinators of the event have had Zumba instructors come in, a team has sold rides around the track in a bathtub on wheels, and there is usually pizza around midnight. There is also live music by the BAMS and BAHS Jazz Ensembles.

Even with these fun events within the Relay, the reason for the event is certainly not forgotten. After sunset the Luminaria Ceremony begins. For many participants, this is the most emotional part of the evening. The lights on the track are turned off, the only source of light being from the luminarias themselves. Hundreds are purchased each year. Every Luminaria is in memory of someone who has lost a battle, is still fighting or has beaten cancer. Each candle lit inside the luminaria pays tribute to the strength and light that each person they are dedicated towards brought to everyone around them. The moving ceremony ends with a few moments of complete silence and then the Relay begins again.

“Everyone should get involved with relay, because sadly, it’s getting harder and harder to find someone who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way.  This event is especially great because it raises an incredible amount of money, with relays being held all over the world.  But on an individual relay level, it’s spending the night on a high school track with people who just want to have a good time while being part of something bigger,” said BAHS Band Team Captain Kelly Bock.

The Relay for Life is open to absolutely anyone that wants to join and make a difference. The easiest way to get involved is to go to www.relayforlife.org for more information. On the website you can join a team, create a team, or simply donate to the cause.

“Anyone can form a team.  There is no registration fee this year, and no minimum amount of money to raise.  While I do try to raise some money on our team, I also feel it is important just getting students involved and aware of what a great thing this relay is.  All money raised goes to the American Cancer Society,” said Bock.

The Relay for Life website states that “With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.”

If you would like to get involved and help someone with cancer reach another birthday you can visit the website mentioned above. If you have any questions specific to Bel Air High School or would like to join the BAHS Band team then please contact Kelly Bock at [email protected] .