Relay for Life is just nine days away, and everyone involved is avidly preparing and fundraising in anticipation of this exciting day.

Relay for Life is a nationwide event led by the American Cancer Society that raises money and awareness for cancer patients and survivors. Each year, people from all over the country join Relay teams and spend one night at a fundraising walk to symbolize the strenuous path to recovery that cancer patients endure.

Each year, the ODA community holds a Relay for Life event on the Lakewood Ranch Campus. Students of all ages form teams, and spend weeks prior to the event raising money in fun and creative ways. This year, one team even held a car wash. Relay is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and something many of our students are enthusiastic about.

“Fundraising for Relay for Life is fun, and it’s always really exciting for a team to watch all of the hard work pay off and go to such a wonderful cause,” says senior Emily Camire.

This year, in addition to individual team fundraising, there will be all school fundraisers as well. Last Friday, March 14, the Relay teams held a bake sale during lunch. Each item averaged $1. Teams will continue to fundraise this Wednesday, March 19 at Jumpin Fun Trampoline Park. Admission will be $10, and $3 will go to Relay for Life. Finally, this Friday, March 21, the day of Relay, there will be a dress down day in support of the event.

If you are not able to come to Relay for Life, attend one of the fundraisers before! It is for a wonderful cause, and the fundraisers are always fun. The ODA community hopes to see everyone out on the track next Friday night to celebrate Relay!