Assumption has HOPE / Relay for Life
Assumption has HOPE / Relay for Life
Hope is the four letter word that immediately comes to mind when anyone begins to think of the Canadian Cancer Society’s ‘Relay 4 Life’ Charity Event. Held on May 11, 2007 (for the third time since its inception here at ACS in 2004), this event marks one of the highlights of the entire year for this school community. With more than 600 students in attendance - the school’s largest turnout ever – the event was sure to be another great success and a night to remember by all students, staff and special guests that participated. As advertised by the Canadian Cancer Society, the ‘Relay 4 Life’ is a night of fun, friendship and laughter to help beat the disease we call Cancer. At Assumption College, it was the first year that the 12-hour long event was held outdoors.
As you can imagine, this event was not a walk in the park to run; just ask staff advisors Mr. Dave Page and Mrs. Sharon Bertolo-Pacheco who led a committee consisting of 16 determined and dedicated student leaders. The Relay 4 Life Committee began preparing for the May event in early September with morning meetings every Wednesday. They also participated in the full 8 hour set up in which the track and field area of Assumption College was completely transformed. The committee worked hard to make sure that the event ran smoothly, and more importantly, that everyone enjoyed themselves. Entertainment options included childhood games like the five-legged race and carnival games such as a teacher dunk tank.
Furthermore, not only was the event enjoyable, it was also incredibly touching and emotional. While the sun began to set, all 600 participants gathered for one of the most memorable opening ceremonies. Highlights included professional bagpipers leading in the Cancer Survivors and grade one students from the neighbouring St. Gabriel’s Catholic Elementary School participating in the march. Early this past year, their beloved classmate, Tanner Mullaly lost the fight in his battle with childhood leukemia. Tanner’s parents joined ACS at their Last Relay, thanking the school community for the tremendous support that they had received. This year, Boston Pizza joined the fight as they donated over 100 pizzas to feed all participants during the big midnight meal. Also, the 10 o’clock luminary ceremony made a strong impact - to walk around a lit track and read the personal messages written on the luminary bags was an extremely emotional experience.
With the event coming to a quick close around 7 o’clock in the morning, the crisp morning breeze provided a pleasant atmosphere for the closing ceremonies. At the ceremonies, the final total was revealed. This year, Assumption College raised over $60,000 to help in the fight against cancer – $10,000 more than the organizing committee’s goal! In the last three events held, the Assumption College community has raised an astounding amount of approximately $150,000. It is true that the Lion’s Den has made a significant difference in the local community and the cancer community. Our Christian values have defined our dreams and more importantly, what we have accomplished because of those dreams and aspirations.
Written by: Carolina Spagnuolo
