Every year, Relay for Life brings together students, faculty, and families to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life, a global initiative organized by the American Cancer Society, encourages participants to walk around the track to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer. Glenbard East hosted its second annual Relay for Life on May 3, 2025 at Glenbard East.
Relay for Life is hosted by East’s Students for Students club, who host many events throughout the year such as Live Life Well Week and Red Ribbon Week, and all students were invited to participate through raising money to gain access to the event–students who fundraised $25 were invited to the event, and East students who fundraised $85 were invited to the lock-in following the main event.
Junior, Sarah Choi commented, “Everyone should participate in the event because it’s a chance to make a difference in the fight against cancer, honor all survivors including local community survivors, and remember those we’ve lost.”
Students could have also participated in Relay for Life by joining a team. Many teams formed including teams for clubs like, Students for Students, Best Buddies, Key Club, as well as for sports like Boys Volleyball, and the Ramettes, East’s dance team.
Relay for Life allows students to make an impact in the fight against cancer while being involved in fun activities such as games, like dodgeball and soccer, as well as opportunities to hear from those who have battled cancer. East’s Relay for Life lock-in, which includes more fun activities and treats, was open to East students who fundraised $85.
While some may believe that Relay for Life consisted of running for the duration of the event, in reality, it involved walking the track in honor of the reason for your participation in the event. Prior to embarking on the lap around the track, participants cracked a glow stick to honor of their reasons for participation and show support for them.
Brooke Seymore, a senior at East stated, “It’s not a run or a 5K, it’s a fun night of games, meeting new people, and uniting to celebrate survivors, honoring those we’ve lost, and fighting for a cure.”
The event took place on May 3, 2025 and ran from 5-7pm for those engaging in the main event, with the lock-in occurring from 7:30-11pm. Notable events included, the opening ceremony at 5pm, the Luminaria Ceremony at 7pm, and the Closing Ceremony at 10:30pm, which was followed by the Final Lap.
The event took place throughout Glenbard East, with events occurring in the fieldhouse as well as the West Gym.
Students engaged in Relay for Life for a multitude of reasons, which is one aspect that makes this event so special. Relay for Life provides a message surrounding the impact of cancer and the importance of engaging in research to find its cure.
Senior, Kendra Trummer, stated, “I participate in Relay for Life because for the past 4 years my mom has fought two different types of cancer and still fights every day.” Trummer added that she relays in support of other kids like her who have parents battling cancer as well as highlighting the “beautiful message that Relay for Life stands for.”
Cooper Wooldridge, a senior, commented on how cancer has impacted his life in many ways “from distant relatives to my own father.” Wooldridge added that seeing his father’s suffering through cancer four times is something he would not wish on anybody, and has seen how experiencing cancer and its treatment can be both exhausting as well as making “loved ones not themselves.” Woodridge hopes that nobody in the world will have to go through what his father has experienced. “I want to raise money so no one has to hear the words “you have cancer” again or at the very least not be scared by it” Wooldridge continued.
With the support of students, faulty, and families, Glenbard East is making a difference in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life is more than just walking for oneself, but rather walking for everyone who has ever had to fight cancer–it’s an event that unites all towards a common goal while sharing an impactful message.
