BY NICOLE FRACZKOWSKI
The Old Bridge Relay for Life event will take place at Lombardi Field this Friday, May 12, from 5pm to midnight. Students from OBHS have teamed up to raise funds for the American Cancer Society that will go directly to supporting cancer patients and research.
Students dedicated to organizing Relay for Life have formed a team called “Steps for Stephen.” “We are called Steps for Stephen because when we joined, sophomore year, my grandpa, Stephen, was suffering with cancer,” said Julia Garron. “Since Relay for Life is an event based on walking for cancer, we came up with a catchy phrase “Steps for Stephen” to help support him and other people in our families who have suffered or are currently suffering.”
Community members in and beyond Old Bridge have worked toward Friday’s event throughout the year. “The goal of this organization is to raise money for the American Cancer Society through year-long fundraising events, all culminating into the big Relay for Life event at the end of the year,” shared Emily Walz, who has personally raised almost $400 as the captain of her team.
Many vendors and local businesses contribute by getting directly involved on the night of the event or pledging donations. “My friends and I are calling places to help during the event such as food places, and other organizations and clubs to help as well,” added Garron.
Participants have worked to raise money through various activities throughout the year. “My team did a cleanup through Mayor Owen Henry’s Clean Team, and we cleaned up a road in Old Bridge in exchange for $500, Emily Walz stated, “We also share our team to Facebook so parents and family members can donate through there.”
This year’s event is not one to miss. “We have a big event Friday at Lombardi field, and there will be games, food trucks, and lots more,” Mikolaj Golaszewski conveyed.
Relay for Life brings the entire Old Bridge community together to honor cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer. “There are “themed laps” that are sponsored around the track, and people will walk laps around the track, to symbolize their standing with cancer patients,” Walz expressed. “There are food trucks, a DJ, and different performers that come to the event!”
Hopes are high for this year’s turnout. “I am looking forward to seeing how many people come to support the event this year because this is the first year since Covid where it seems to be officially back to normal,” Garron stated.
Anyone can get more information about the event here or support team “Steps for Stephen” by donating through this link to help the students meet their ultimate goal. “Through all towns in the Greater Middlesex County, our goal is to raise $100,000,” Walz said.
Posted on 5/9/23
Photos provided by Emily Walz
Knight Life 