Villanova’s Relay for Life tops $124k

The Survivor Lap kicked off the Relay for Life at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School last Friday.

The fight against cancer got a six-figure boost thanks to students and staff at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School.

Villanova held its latest Relay for Life last Friday with the event starting in sunshine in the early afternoon and ending at night in the rain, but regardless of the weather, the fundraising total as of Friday night of approximately $124,500 put everyone in a good mood.

Sofia Borrowman, a Grade 11 student who co-captained the organizing committee with friend Michela La Porta, said the school raised $72,000 in its last Relay for Life in 2023. By early afternoon, the fundraising total this year had topped $81,000 and donations kept rolling in to where it hit the $124,500 mark.

Donations came in online and offline, the latter seeing cheques and cash coming in. Borrowman said it was very emotional to see the Survivor Lap that helped start the event as well as the evening’s luminary ceremony that recalled those loved ones who have battled cancer.

“It’s been a lot of organizational work,” added La Porta. “This day is what it was for. It’s definitely been worth it.”

The 2023 Relay for Life was “such a success,” La Porta added, so much so that they and their entire committee wanted to top it this year.

In addition to the committee, there were over 40 additional volunteers that helped out during the event. There were laps of the track walked, games on the infield such as slip and slides, football and volleyball, and other event during the day. Teams had their own names with many of the students designing their own team uniforms and having their faces and bodies painted.

Teachers Tony Palermo, Daryll Martin and Colleen Knuckle were integral in helping with this year’s Relay for Life, La Porta and Borrowman stated.

Approximately 600 students from Villanova participated in Relay for Life this year. Borrowman said there are roughly 28,000 students Canada-wide having a “party with a purpose.”

Cancer survivor Amber Hunter addressed the crowd, noting she ran fundraisers including those for cancer research and treatment. She ended up being diagnosed herself and underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction, an eight-hour surgery.

Hunter said no matter how strong a person thinks they are, a cancer diagnosis can put them on an emotional roller coaster.

“Even the strongest people need support,” she said. 

After fundraising for the eradication of the disease, being diagnosed let her see it “through a different lens.”

“I realized now I was the one who needed the help,” she said. “It definitely hit hard.”

Hunter added she was always taught to “show up” for other people and provide love and support. She encouraged the students to provide the same.

Relay for Life proceeds benefit the Canadian Cancer Society, an organization Hunter called “incredible.” She added she was impressed by the event at Villanova and that she was “filled with strength” by looking at the students.

“Be someone’s light,” she told the crowd.

Kevin Birball, Relay for Life specialist at the Canadian Cancer Society, stated a lot goes on behind the scenes to plan an event like Relay for Life. He thanked the students and staff who had a hand in last Friday’s event at Villanova.

“Without the support of schools like yours, none of the research or advocacy would be possible,” he said. 

Birball also thanked the committee for its efforts in organizing the successful day.

Villanova’s Relay for Life tops $124k

By Ron Giofu