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OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, July 10, 2009 · 20 Student who lost mother will remember Relay all her life By Wendy Donaldson, GR. 12, IROQUOIS RIDGE H.S. R elay for life is an event where the community comes together to raise money and awareness for cancer research. On June 12, Iroquois Ridge High School (IRHS) held its very own Relay for Life. From 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next day, at least one representative from each student team would be walking the outdoor track over the 12-hour period. At the age of six I lost my mother to cancer, so events like these are very close to my heart. I was asked to speak with my sister Amy, as well as other students from Iroquois Ridge whose lives have been personally touched by cancer. Three female IRHS students donated their hair to make wigs for women who had lost their hair due to cancer and quite a few males, including a teacher, shaved their heads for awareness. It was an amazing experience to know that all these people had come together for this one common goal. There was also an opportunity to purchase luminaries for the luminary ceremony held later in the evening. The ceremony itself was very powerful: luminaries, dedicated to lost loved ones as well as survivors and those presently fighting cancer, lined the track. The atmosphere was very respectful and there was an amazing sense of togetherness as people shared life experiences with each other. While people were respectful and sensitive to the mood of the gathering, there was still lots of fun going on. There was game seven of the Stanley Cup Playoffs shown on an outdoor television in one corner of the grounds, and on the main stage, amazing bands played while hotdogs cooked on the barbecue and people enjoyed themselves. It was obvious that everyone was having a good time and I really appreciated how respectful people were being. As the night went on, the students continued to have fun with events such as Food Fear Factor, dance-offs and other competitions to stay awake and have fun together, while team members continued to walk the track. A lot went into this event that I think we might easily take for granted. We saw the final product, the amazing experience of Relay for Life, but what most people didn't see was the hard work and effort that many people contributed to make the event the success that it was. Banners don't paint themselves, bands don't just decide to show up and no women in spandex just randomly decided to come and do jazzercise at our school. There was a huge team of people working together so that Relay could all come together. This event meant a lot to so many people and I don't think it could have run any better. It was definitely a night I will remember for the rest of my life. at th is yea r's It's m ore th an m usic ! a zz `n Blu es Fes ti va l17-19 J Ju ly Celebrate the memories of historical Sky Club with professional dance company danceScape and your hosts Alex Reynolds and Beverley Cayton-Tang. Dance the night away under the stars at Discovery Landing (or in The Observatory in case of inclement weather) at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington. Reserve your seat today through RecExpress! TTR# 198508 For more information call 905-335-7766 or visit www.burlington.ca