This article was originally published on MSG Varsity.

On June 6 into June 7, Floral Park Memorial High School held its first Relay for Life Event. It was a huge success, and $110,535.23 was raised for cancer research. Almost 400 students, teachers, and community members camped-out on the high school football field so as not to miss one moment of this life- and community-affirming event!

The planning for this event began over a year ago under the guidance of Dorothy Drexel, event chair and Kelly Falcone, assistant chair. Together with numerous teams throughout the school community and volunteers, Dorothy Drexel organized and developed fundraising of all shapes and sizes to allow the multitudes of people to apply their individual gifts and talents toward achieving this incredible end result.

The event started at 5 PM in the school cafeteria with a survivor dinner. All cancer survivors from the community and their caregivers were invited to this special event, and over 60 people were in attendance. The food for this dinner was donated by King Umberto, Olivetto, Associated Supermarket in Floral Park, West Hempstead Beverage, and The Gateway. Rev. Sikes of the United Methodist Church of Floral Park opened the occasion by saying grace, and Mrs. Mary Ellen Moore spoke as the “Caregiver” speaker. Another added delight was the fact that the Floral Park Memorial String Ensemble directed by Mr. Lou Dura entertained the guests from the beginning of the dinner until the end.

At 7 PM, our survivor lap started, and the event was in full swing. Arm in arm, friends and family celebrated life together as a community.

The heart of the event was as the sun set over the campsites and darkness fell, the night was brightened by the glow of illuminated bags called Luminaria, each of which has a special meaning. Some celebrate those who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Many remember the lives of those who have been lost to this terrible disease. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor. At this time, beautiful poems were read by individuals who lost a loved one to cancer.

The fun continued throughout the night with games organized by the Entertainment Committee, and All Occasion DJ’s playing music to keep everyone entertained.

The Floral Park Relay for Life account will be active online until August 31, 2014. Please visit the site and continue to donate to this worthy cause: www.relayforlife.org/floralparkny.