Youth Connection: Relay for Life Participants Spell Hope for Beating Cancer

By Sheuli Chowdhury

On June 4, more than 850 people gathered together to participate in the 24-hour Relay for Life event at . The Bellevue community came together to walk around the Interlake track to raise money for cancer research. The first  “Relay for Life” was held by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma in 1985. Since then, the  Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into one of the world’s largest cancer movements. This year, the Bellevue relay raised $91,927.65.

Special events kept everyone entertained the whole night. The Relay started off with a cheerleading event which was followed by the cancer survivors’ lap around the field. Then, teams pitched up their tents and began walking around the track. Music blasted from speakers and concession stands opened. People continued to walk the whole night as movies played in the background.

The Luminaria Celebration, organized by a group of Interlake students, was the highlight of the entire Relay for Life. Luminaria are paper bags that contain special wishes to those who suffer or have died from cancer. The bags circled the entire field. Some of them were placed on the bleachers with candles, spelling out “HOPE.”

After the event, one of the second-time participants, Maya Sullivan, said, “The point of Relay for Life is to raise awareness for cancer, but it also strengthens friendships and brings together the community.”

-- Sheuli Chowdhury writes for, a publication of.