By Nisali Fernando – Entertainment Editor

The Milford community banded together in the fight against cancer during the 14th annual Relay for Life event.

Hundreds of people gathered on the Jonathan Law track to celebrate survivors and their caregivers on September 17. Nearly 470 participants were able to raise over $57,000 for the American Cancer Society.

“My favorite part of the day was seeing all the survivors and caretakers being honored,” senior National Honor Society member Owen Paiva said. “It was really cool to see them be honored for the struggles they went through, and you could tell it meant a lot to them.”

The event ran from noon to midnight and all 39 participating teams worked tirelessly by selling concessions, by raffling prizes, and by offering exciting contests.

“My favorite part of the day was watching Samir in the wing eating competition,” senior NHS member Kyle Krois said.

The tents and booths surrounded the circumference of the track and kids of all ages could be found playing on and off the turf. The track itself was constantly occupied with either survivors proudly brandishing their white sashes or with teenage boys proudly wearing dresses and tutus.

Much of the Jonathan Law community was represented at Relay. From the Keyettes to the Friends Forever Club to the cross country and girls basketball teams, faculty and students alike contributed generously to this great cause.

“I helped organize the girls basketball setup and they (the team) made a bunch of baked goods and sold them at our stand,” girls basketball coach Mr. Young said.

The NHS sold henna tattoos like they’ve done during past events and the cross country team sold paintings and candy.

“At first we were all really nervous to be doing the (henna) tattoos because hardly any of us had done it before,” senior NHS president Jillian Bendlak said. “It turned out we had some great artists in the group, and everyone really liked the tattoos.”

For many, cancer unfortunately hits close to home and the Milford community stood together and offered support and guidance for people facing this ordeal.

“Relay is important to me because my close childhood friend battled cancer and won,” senior cross country captain Lauren Paredes said. “I also lost my grandfather and great-grandfather to cancer, so it’s great to be able to make a difference by raising money to find a cure.”

Relay for Life is meant to be a day to raise awareness about this detrimental disease, but the atmosphere was anything but somber. A feeling of hope enveloped the Jonathan Law track.

“It was a nice way to give back to the community,” Paiva said. “The whole event was for those who overcame cancer, are battling it, or have a family member succumb to it, and to give them a day to enjoy themselves is something special.”