Merrillville Intermediate School joined the fight against cancer with their 2nd Relay Recess event on Friday, May 19th. Despite the rain we took the party inside and danced all day. We relayed to celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost, and fought back against cancer. Our 6th grade teacher Mr. Dan Schiefer ran a full marathon during the event. Seeing him complete his final half mile through the school was truly an inspiration. He showed our students dedication, altruism, and was a wonderful role model that day.
Students enjoyed music from a professional DJ, collected a bead for each lap they walked to later be turned into a bracelet, signed a hope banner, and decorated luminaria bags to dedicate to someone who currently or previously battled cancer or with a cancer fighting message. All bags were displayed around the track as our reasons to relay. Shirts for the event were also sold as an additional fundraiser. The message on the shirts read “Together We Are Strong”.
Merrillville Intermediate School S.T.A.N.D. club hosted and helped plan for the event. It was our goal to bring awareness to the fight against cancer, fundraise for the American Cancer Society, and engage our students in a community service activity.
Our Merrillville community embraced our mission and supported us during the event as well. Schepel Buick GMC of Merrillville generously donated a $500 sponsorship. Rethink Church of Merrillville passed out fruit to students as they relayed throughout the day. Our MIS students, Merrillville staff, and community donations helped us raise an amazing $3,455.04 donation for the American Cancer Society.
The event helped us share stories and memories of our loved ones who have experienced cancer and we were also able to celebrate 1 student survivor from our school and two parent survivors. Seeing our gym lined with bags made from memories and love and watching our students walk or run to raise awareness touched the hearts of many who stepped foot in the gym that day. In some way cancer has touched us all and we are very proud of our school for taking a stand and fighting back against cancer!