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Relay for Life season inspires in FishHawk, around the county

 
Published April 16, 2015

LITHIA — A long line leading to a room filled with 250 women dressed in their spring best, some wearing shirts sparkling with the word "courageous," could only mean one thing: it's Relay season!

Fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life are in full swing. Each year, the Relay for Life movement draws millions of participants who raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

The 2015 theme for Relay for Life of FishHawk is "A Cure Around the World." With about 820 participants and over $85,000 raised, Relay for Life of FishHawk is one of Hillsborough County's largest relays.

According to Relay for Life of FishHawk's event lead/chairwoman, Mary Kathryn Kennedy, the majority of fundraising participants come from local schools

"Students make up the majority of our relay from every age … elementary school to middle school to high school," Kennedy said. "Many of our students go on to relay for their colleges as well. They are our future and the future of relay.

Kennedy is rallying the community to support the young participants at the noon opening ceremony on Saturday at Newsome High School.

"Our children deserve to be recognized, encouraged, celebrated and inspired," she wrote on Relay for Life of FishHawk's Facebook page. "Walk laps with them, participate in their fundraisers and activities, support them during the luminaria ceremony and dedicate your time, your energy, your help and your love for their hard work."

This year, Relay for Life of FishHawk teamed up with Coach of Brandon to hold "Coach Bingo" at the FishHawk Ranch Palmetto Club. Bingo players had the opportunity to win 12 Coach bags, all from the 2015 spring collection. The sold-out event was advertised only through social media and raised well over $10,000, a big boost from last year's Coach Bingo, which only drew a crowd of 175 players.

Relay for Life of FishHawk kicks off at noon Saturday at Newsome High School and continues through the night until 6 a.m. A schedule of activities, including a Midnight Dance Party with DJ Jake Dela Cruz, can be found online at relayforlife.org/fishhawkfl.