More than 1.3 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year. This is a staggering statistic, but there is hope. Hope is the reason I’ve decided to take action against cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® event right here in Pembroke Pines.

By Chris Hixon

The high school Relay For Life Team is busy raising money for the American Cancer Society. The team hopes to raise $5,000.
The Following Events have been scheduled to help them meet their goal:

Feb 20-23 - Principal For a Day Raffle

Anyone interested in making a donation or becoming a sponsor ($250) may visit the team website at:
http://www.acsevents.org/relay/fl/pembrokepines/ppchs

We are also in desperate need of donations of

24pk Water bottles
24pk Cans of Soda
Variety Single-Serving Chips
"Standard" Size Candy Bars

Parents will receive ½ hour for each donation, not for each item.

Our Team's Theme:
"All for One and One for All!"

Jessica Barreto
02/08/07

A Relay like No Other

In one way or another, cancer has touched our lives. Whether it has struck one of our loved ones or someone who was close to us, cancer can be the word that can turn someone’s life completely upside down. However, what would you say if you could be the one who could actually do something about it and help save theses peoples’ lives? Well this possibility is now a reality thanks to a very special fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society called “Relay for Life”. Furthermore, not only is this an incredible way to help people in need but it is going to be happening right here in Pembroke Pines! The students at PPCHS have actually taken the time and effort to put together this marvelous event and raise money to spread cancer awareness and aid in the discoveries of treatments and maybe even cures but most of all, this event is intended to celebrate those who had the strength and determination to survive this deadly condition.
This overnight event was created May 1985 in Tahoma, Washington by a colorectal surgeon named Dr. Gordy Klatt. His determination was so great that he actually spent 24 hours walking around a track called the Baker Stadium located at the University of Puget Sound. In the end, Klatt raised over $27,000 for this noble cause. A year later, 19 participated in the first ever team relay and raised $33,000.
Since then, the numbers of people wanting to participate in this relay have expanded rapidly. In fact, in the year 2003, more than 3 million people took part in this relay in the U.S. alone. Plus, over $250 million was collected.
“I think it’s a good cause because it’s for people with cancer and they do fun stuff” stated Natalia Kosarowicz, a freshman at PPCHS. The Relay for Life can be filled with a lot of enjoyable activities such as finger-painting on a mural among other things. Freshman Dalia Alattar who has participated in this event, said “A penny isn’t worth much, so you wouldn’t lose it if you gave it away to help others”. Sebastian Buenano, also a freshman, declared that “it is nice to see us giving to the people in need”.