Community Corner

Teams Raise Funds for Relays for Life

Three relays will take place in the Bloomingdale Patch area the weekend of March 26.

Jennifer Northrop knows all about the ravages of cancer. That's why she's signed up to participate in this year's Relay for Life at Riverview High School March 26.

"It is sad but true most people we know have been touched by cancer in someway," said Northrop in her biography on the Relay for Life Website. "I share that experience. I was diagnosed with cancer at 29 years old, something I never thought would happen to me. Then in 2007 my dad was diagnosed with cancer. In 2009 my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. He still continues to fight his courageous battle."

For Northrop, participating in the Relay for Life is a way to fight back against this disease that's affected herself and her loved ones.

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"This is not a club I would wish on anyone," she said. "I walk to find a cure so no one will have to sit back helplessly and watch someone they love so dearly fight this grueling battle. I don't want my children to hear those three little words, 'You have cancer.' Particpating in Relay For Life allows me to join people around the world in celebrating those who have survived cancer, remembering the people we've lost, and supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society."

Hayden Harvey shares Northrop's reasons for participating. With $2,375 in her coffers, Harvey is the top individual fundraiser for the upcoming FishHawk Relay for Life to be held at Newsome High School March 25.

"I am participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life because I have been touched personally by the evil hand of cancer many times," said Harvey. "Recently it has been hitting very close to home, and I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer so that the ones I love the most will live long, happy, peaceful lives."

Harvey said she believes in the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages," said Harvey. "They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease."

Relays for Life will take place March 25-26 at Newsome High School, 16550 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, Riverview High School, 11311 Boyette Road, Riverview, and Bloomingdale High School, 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico,

There are 32 teams signed up for the FishHawk Relay for Life March 25, raising a total of $44,114.30 so far.  Top fundraising teams for the FishHawk Relay so far are the MOMS Club of Lithia/Bevis, ($9,121), the Class of 2012, ($5,614.39), and Bevis Elementary School,  ($4,597.26).

Fifty-four teams have signed up for the Riverview Relay for Life March 26, raising a total of $57,265.96 so far. Top fundraising teams for the Riverview relay are the Osprey Observer,  ($9,030), the Summerfield Crossings Cougars for a Cure,  ($7,195.18), and Bob's Angels,  ($5,125).

And for the Bloomingdale Relay for Life, scheduled March 25, 49 teams have signed on to participate, raising a total of $35,702.62 so far. Top fundraising teams are Cimino Elementary, ($9,737.23), the Cougar Cubs, ($5,812.62), and Quest for a Cure, ($5,140).

To donate or participate as a team members, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/.

"If nothing else, please donate for your children so they will live in a world with more birthdays," said Harvey.


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