SanTanValley.com

CHS and the San Tan Valley community raised more than $22,000 for cancer research while hosting the Relay For Life for the first time.

The relay for life at CHS was a night full of emotion, magic, fun, and hope. Students, staff, and members of the community  joined in this philosophical event to celebrate, remember, and fight back. Stephen Hernandez, CHS senior, from team “In Step” walked a total of eighty one laps around the track nonstop all night; an equivalent of around twenty excruciating miles.

Others, like Cindy Paravono, CHS assistant principal, and Leo Warner, CHS band teacher, also walked as much as they could.

Relay for Life is supposed to mimic the journey of a cancer patient.  Starting at 6pm and running through the night until 6am the following morning, we are reminded that cancer never sleeps.  As someone who had never participated in a Relay for Life before, I wasn't sure what to expect.  You go to the committee meetings, training, etc and you hear about how "amazing" this event really is.   You hear that total strangers bond together and form a special trust.  You hear that it will move you as you participate in each of the steps along the way.  You hear about those people that share their stories and you remember the people in your life that you are "relaying for".  I had never really thought about why I decided to make this year the year I would finally relay, but after hearing the stories from others, I gave it serious thought and eventually wrote about it.  Nothing however could have prepared me for what I was going to feel, having participated in not only my first Relay for Life, but San Tan Valley's too.

Let's help the American Cancer Society “Paint the Town Purple” in support of Relay For Life this Saturday, February 11th.

Join us and your local community as we transform schools, businesses, and homes across San Tan Valley purple.  Decorate your home or business with purple ribbons, wreaths, flowers or other decorations on February 11th.  Help us pass out fliers and posters about our upcoming Relay for Life!

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s largest event and the world’s biggest fundraiser with more than 3 million participants.

To make this even more exciting San Tan Valley is going to have its own Relay for Life this year!