I have always taken part in my hometown’s Relay for Life. Therefore, I am used to the traditions and the general idea of the night. This event is usually held around a track and is an overnight fundraiser ran by the American Cancer Society. You have to pay a small fee in order to participate, but the money that is raised because of those fees in addition to donations, is donated to the American Cancer Society to continue the funding to hopefully find a cure for cancer.

This year, Stockton held its own Relay for Life. I was thrilled because I loved doing these events at home. It was a bit different because it was held inside the Big Blue gym, which I have never seen or heard of before. There were also no tents, which were where people slept when the event was held outside around the track. What was great about the indoor scenery was that the music played by the DJ was heard everywhere, regardless where you were walking on the “track”. Also, there was an hour of Zumba! I mentioned in one of my other posts how much I love Zumba!!

What was so incredible about this specific Relay for Life was that the entire field hockey team decided to take part. Numerous clubs and groups at Stockton decided to participate in Relay for Life, but we were the only athletic team at Stockton to be represented. I thought this said a lot about us as a team. We all had matching purple head bands that said “HOPE”. We all had each other’s back when the atmosphere got emotional, which again, was very moving.

I loved how involved my team was in this particular event. It says a lot about the well roundedness of the team and how much we like to stand together and unify with each other on and off the field. It means a lot, not only to be a part of a collegiate sport, but to have a group of people who have your back and want to participate in events like this together.  I hope we participate again next year!