Being able to put a face to a cause makes helping well worthwhile. Beth Ferkranus, a drama teacher at Huron Heights Secondary School, is a cancer survivor and more than 300 students will lace up their running shoes to support her and others affected by the disease.
“It was the darkest days of my life,” she said. “But then out came the sun.”
After three years of treatments, she is cancer free and on maternity leave. The pain of the illness, she admits, was bearable, because she found comfort from the support of her family, friends and the community.
The students are organizing and holding the Relay for Life event, a non-competitive relay from noon to midnight Friday, at the school to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society and people such Mrs. Ferkranus.
Grade 12 student Chelsae Lumley, has chaired the Relay for Life committee for three years and believes the event brings the school community together to help one another and give back.
“This is just what I do and I love to help others,” she said.
It is inspiring to see so many people come together to support the many families that have been touched by the disease, she said.
The event allows students, such as herself, to reach out from the walls of the school and participate in the community.
Throughout the day, teams of 10 people will take turns walking, running or strolling around the track. Teams consist of students, staff, friends and neighbours.
The first lap is dedicated to cancer survivors, who are invited to walk the Survivors’ Victory Lap. A luminary ceremony will take place in the evening when candles will be placed around the track and lit at dusk to commemorate survivors and those who did not win the battle against cancer.
“We are going to have tons of fun things and so much food,” Miss Lumley laughed. “It should be a good time.”
There are different walks scheduled throughout the day, including a cake walk where participants have the chance to compete for cakes. There will also be a limbo race around the track, a dunk tank, live music and a dodgeball tournament between students and the local fire department.
Last year, the school raised about $30,000 and is hoping to raise even more this year.
•To sponsor or make a donation to a school team, call Huron Heights Secondary School at 905-895-2384.
• To make a donation directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, visit cancer.ca or by phone at 1-888-700-1131.