Walking into the CCHS cafeteria on the evening of November 26, one could find numerous adults and students chattering on about fundraising and festivities. As laughter filled the room, one could almost forget the magnitude of the cause bringing everyone together that night. Continuing their mission of fighting for a cure for cancer, the Relay For Life of Davie-Cooper City hosted their kick-off party– marking the beginning of the extensive preparation that will go into the next Relay event.
Relay For Life is a fundraising event that allows team members to take turns on the track while keeping one member walking at all times. When team members are off the track, they can participate in the games and activities at other teams’ campsites.
The annual event is the largest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, allowing the organization to fund cancer research and to provide patient services such as Hope Lodge– a place where cancer patients and caregivers can stay while receiving treatment out of town. Unlike other walks, Relay For Life raises money for research into and for those affected by all cancers.
This year’s Davie-Cooper City Relay For Life will take place at CCHS on April 27, 2019. While the exact start time has not yet been released, the event is expected to end at midnight. Due to safety concerns, this year’s Relay will not be 24 hours long.
Unlike other walks, Relay For Life raises money for research into and for those affected by all cancers.
To celebrate the success of the previous Relay, the event planning committee congratulated the five teams that raised the greatest amount of money. Topping the list was the Kiwanis Club of Cooper City, which sponsors the Key Clubs at both Cooper City High School and West Broward High School.
“I think it’s important for everyone, whether you’ve already been affected [by cancer] or not affected, to understand the importance of raising money for research in this field to eliminate the disease totally,” Cooper City Kiwanis Club President Rae Levenson said.
Event leader Rebecca Bakal, who has been participating in Relay for Life for 18 years, ran the kick-off party alongside fellow committee members. Gesturing toward the party decorations atop each table, the committee announced that the theme for this year’s Davie-Cooper City Relay For Life will be “Party for a Cure.”
After raising $100, participating teams will be able to choose a specific type of party to represent, such as a baby shower or a luau. It’s encouraged that teams raise the money as quickly as possible because they will have the opportunity to pick their theme and their spot at the event first.
“We are here to party, to celebrate life, to celebrate each other and to find a cure,” Bakal said.
CCHS Key Club members are already planning for their participation in the upcoming Relay. Last year, the club hosted a carnival game and raised about $100. Key Club Membership Chair Leah Applebaum, who helped run the club’s tent this past April, feels personally connected to the cause of Relay For Life. Like many, Applebaum’s family has been affected by cancer.
“One of my uncles [has] cancer currently. My nana was a survivor and she passed away a couple years ago,” Applebaum said. “[Participating in Relay For Life] is my way of remembering her.”
Other clubs or students interested in getting involved in Relay For Life can join or create a team by going to www.relayforlife.org/daviecoopercityfl and clicking “Join this Relay.” By coming together as a community, Cowboys can partake in the fight to make sure no one else feels isolated by the devastating impacts that are inflicted by cancer.
“We are here to party, to celebrate life, to celebrate each other and to find a cure,” Bakal said.
Photo by Casey Chapter
