Cancer.  A six-letter word that almost everyone has been affected by, whether from having the illness itself or knowing someone with it.  According to the American Cancer Society, almost eight million people die from cancer each year.  To combat this staggering number, organizations such as Relay for Life raise money for cancer research.

Every year the Bob Jones Student Ambassadors organize their own Relay for Life event.  This year the Bob Jones Relay will focus on skin cancer prevention.  The battle against skin cancer has become a very real and sensitive topic in the hallways of Bob Jones since English teacher, Mrs. Barrier passed away earlier this year after a short, but fatal fight with skin cancer.

“This year’s Relay for Life will be in memory of Mrs. Barrier, a true Bob Jones Patriot,” describes Mrs. Husky, the sponsor for Bob Jones’ Relay for Life. “Our goal this year is to raise $1,000 for cancer research but I’m hoping we can double that,” continues Mrs. Husky.

To reach this goal, Mrs. Husky has planned a variety of fundraisers other than the relay.  On April 11^th, the Student Ambassadors and cheerleaders are hosting a Ruby Tuesday night at both Madison locations.  Later in April, there will be a bake sale at the Bob Jones track meet.  Also, students will be encouraged to make a pledge to protect themselves from the sun by donating a dollar and signing their name on sunglasses cutouts.  Finally the Friday before the event, students can pay a dollar to wear a hat to school.

Even if you can’t walk in the Relay on May 10^th, there are multiple ways you can help in the fight against cancer through participating in the fundraising events for the Relay for Life.