On Friday May 15, the Student Movement Against Cancer held their annual Relay For Life event. However, due to the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, this year’s event was streamed virtually on YouTube.
The purpose of Relay For Life is to celebrate survivors, honor those who are battling or have battled cancer, fund research advancements and cancer education and inspire the public to become involved in the American Cancer Society’s advocacy efforts.
Many Relay traditions were kept alive during the virtual event, including the luminaria ceremony. For this portion of the night, the video featured photos of many SPFHS students who chose to honor loved ones who are fighting cancer and commemorate those that they have lost.
Virtual Relay also included many forms of entertainment, such as a trivia game, a meditation session by the Mindfulness Club, and a yoga lesson from community member Lina Isolda. In addition, the event involved musical performances from sophomore Matthew Levine and senior Patrick Ritter.
“SMAC is a club that is always up to something, whether it is fundraising, planning events or volunteering,” SMAC advisor Ashleigh Boyce said. “This Relay was a testament to who Student Movement Against Cancer members are: resilient, passionate and strong leaders in the community. We are so proud of everyone who has gotten involved.”
For seniors, this year’s event was especially meaningful. This was the last opportunity for SMAC members of the Class of 2020 to take part in Relay for Life, and unfortunately these students could not spend the night surrounded by friends and classmates.
“Relay For Life has meant everything to me,” SMAC vice president Tara Wolman said. “It is something that has truly made my high school experience and I can’t imagine high school without it. While we couldn’t be together this year, it is so empowering to know that we are all in this together and that we will never stop fighting.”
The Student Movement Against Cancer encourages everyone to check out the virtual Relay, which can be found on the “SPFHS SMAC” YouTube channel. They would also like to share that fundraising for the 2020 Relay will continue until August, and that donations to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Relay For Life page would be immensely appreciated.
