Relay for Life

On March 1st, 2018, Relay For Life was conducted at DAIS for the very first time. This event is conducted in about 27 countries with one main goal: to raise funds for cancer treatment and awareness. The event was conducted in school in affiliation with the Indian Cancer Society (ICS).

Working tirelessly on the event since October, the core-team of sixteen 12th graders talked to middle school and high school students about the importance of the event and raised funds for it at the CAS Fete in January, this year. Using social media for awareness of the cause, it publicized the motto of the event, “If cancer doesn't rest, for a while, we won't either”. The evening honoured those who have battled against the disease. Amidst the solemnity, participants of the event also engaged in games, sports and craft activities.

The event started with an introduction by the three heads of the Relay for Life team: Abhishek Roy, Priyanka Iyer and Tania Nair. This was followed by music performances by students, a speech by Dr. Vandana Dhamankar from ICS and finally Ms. Shalaka from Ugam (childhood cancer survivors support group) who shared her experience with all the participants of the Relay For Life. At around 5:30 pm, the relay was kick-started with the survivors' lap. Students, teachers, parents then followed, as they walked around the track on the football field and participated in different activities to raise funds together. The event came to a close when after sunset, Luminarias (paper lanterns) with positive, heartfelt messages written on them were lit. Dozens of these lanterns spelt 'HOPE' on the football ground to remember those lost to the struggle, to celebrate survivors, and to imbibe hope and strength in those affected by cancer, letting them know that they are not alone.

With the support of the ICS and Ugam representatives, teachers, students and the hard work of the Relay for Life team, over 1 lakh rupees were raised and donated to ICS for cancer treatment and awareness. A magical night for a noble cause - Relay for Life hopes to be back again next year!

- Abhishek Roy