Elementary schools fight cancer with Mini Relays

Lakeside Elementary School, Warren Township, IN
Lakeside Elementary held its first Mini Relay in support of Joni Vogt, a fourth grade teacher and breast cancer survivor. Students were encouraged to wear hats and sunglasses during the Mini Relay to “shade out cancer” after learning about sun safety. They also wore purple clothing and carried “Fight Cancer” signs as they walked. The Mini Relay launched a month of activities and educational announcements.

“All the little things we did gave all the children a chance to participate,” explained Pam Smith, an instructional assistant at Lakeside and the coordinator of the event. Fundraisers included “Dessert with the Dean”, “Lunch with the Principal”, and spirit days. Kids also bought suns and moons to hang on their classroom doors in a contest to “make your teacher shine”.

Joni, whose cancer was found at an early stage after a mammogram, stresses the importance of early detection. “We have a lot of students who have been touched by cancer in one way or another. Celebrating cancer survivorship with my students and colleagues and educating them about how they can fight back against this disease was such a joy.”

One of Joni’s students, Baylauna Shideler, was excited when she heard about the Mini Relay. “I thought because my teacher had cancer, raising money for cancer would be a nice thing. Supporting cancer is a worthy cause.”

Lakeside’s efforts raised $1,865 to benefit the American Cancer Society. “The children really loved it,” said Pam. “Now that we see how we can do it and improve on it, next year we can have a bigger and better event.”

Laurel School, Franklin County, IN
Franklin County, though one of the poorest counties in Indiana, has raised more than $342,000 in the past five years of Relay For Life. This year, students at Laurel School raised more than $2,200 in their first Mini Relay to contribute to the difference the county has made in the fight against cancer.

“We raised the most out of our schools this year and I am very proud,” said Judy Drake, a special reading teacher at Laurel who is active in Relay For Life. “The community is very giving. It was a neat opportunity for the kids to start philanthropy very young.”

A penny war sparked friendly competition between the grades. Spirit days gave kids the chance to wear hats and flip flops. They also went into the community to sell Relay For Life feet. Students invited cancer survivors to walk the first lap of the opening ceremony at the school, and then joined them for a lap.

“It’s a wonderful way to do something positive when you feel helpless,” said Judy about Relay. “The driving force is seeing what the survivors can do. Seeing the fight they give is worth it.”

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event. Call us toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345 to find a Relay For Life near you.

Pictured: Students carry signs during the Mini Relay (above right); Teacher Joni Vogt walks with her students (above left)