On June 1st, Relay for Life of Middletown held their 15th annual walkathon in order to fundraise for the American Cancer Society.  This event, spearheaded by the Event Leadership Team of Jenn Belke, Amy Nolan, Grace Roeder, and Marc Seigel, was held at Middletown High School South for the third consecutive year. Members of various teams walked the track all night in support of those battling cancer, embodying the group’s slogan: “Cancer never sleeps, so we won’t either.” In total, the event raised around $16,000, making this year’s event a great success. 

“Everyone is impacted by cancer in some form or fashion. It might be a family member, a friend or a neighbor,” Mr. Seigel said, highlighting the importance of the organization’s efforts. “For me, my grandfather had throat cancer, which ultimately led to him having a heart attack and passing away at the age of 54. My wife’s grandmother beat brain cancer twice! I have a close friend who had colon cancer. And my father was just told he has bladder cancer. We have several staff members who are cancer survivors, as well.”

Student members of Relay for Life echoed Mr. Seigel’s sentiments. “I joined the Relay for Life club to educate, and raise awareness for cancer and people in need,” said sophomore Katelynn Artale.  Members of the organization join both to have fun and to support the community. 

Although relatively small in comparison to some of the other Relay for Life events occurring globally this spring, the event was a chance for people to come together and support a worthy cause, and I believe they did exactly that!