Murphy School Kids Take Relay For Life To Recess

Darkly overcast, a tad on the cool side but the kids certainly didn’t seem to care. It was a regular school day, but they were outside and on their way to what one was overheard describing as a “carnival.” Well, not quite …but still a lot of fun.

Relay Recess is a relatively new concept in the ongoing campaign to raise money – and awareness – about cancer research. At Dr. Charles E. Murphy School, the kids are fully invested because of the loss of one of their own, “beloved” first grade teacher Traci Hart died last September at the age of 39 after a decade-long battle with breast cancer.

“The loss of Traci affected us so deeply,” said Mary Aleida, Murphy School second grade teacher. She and colleague Amy Jeffers organized the event.

 “Traci was an integral part of our lives and we wanted and needed to do something that reflected the amazing person she was. So, what better way to remember/honor Traci than to raise money for the American Cancer Society and educate our students at the same time,” the women said.

The kids raised money -- $4,000 -- and, through education, their teachers raised their awareness about cancer, healthy living and the associated and dangerous risks from behaviors like smoking. All 378 students made pledge bags with positive messages. Like the regular Relay’s, these bags, like luminaries, formed the oval in the shape of a school track and it was around this the students walked, danced, chanted and sang.

“Students loved Mrs. Hart as much as we did and they knew they were participating in something for her.  That was special for them,” Aledia said. “ The best part would have to be the kids rocking and dancing around the walking track as they did their part in ‘trying to have a world with more birthdays.’ Many didn't want to stop walking. This meant something to them.”

And to American Cancer Society community executive for development Shannon Stahecki who said she was “proud” to be at the event.

“They are just awesome and I’m incredibly honored to be here with them today,” Stahecki said. “Relay Recess is a new project, only a few schools so far, and this was the best one to date.”

She told the kids that the money they raised will help send kids with cancer to Camp Rising Sun, help families with lodging for out-of-town hospitalizations – Hope Lodge – and help support a 24-hour help line.

“You are all awesome,” she said.