LITTLE HANDS HOLD HIGH HOPE

J.D. George students hold 10th annual Mini Relay for Life

VERONA, N.Y. >> Students at J.D. George Elementary helped keep hope alive on Friday at their 10th annual Mini Relay for Life for those who have been affected by cancer.

Started by teacher Eileen Bleaking in honor of her mother, the event hosted nearly 60 cancer survivors in the Vernon-Verona- Sherrill community.

“The event is so uplifting and brings the community together,” said teacher Stacy Blodgett. “It sends a message to the kids that hope and a positive attitude can get you through the toughest times.”

On June 7 at 6:30 a.m., students created lawn signs, luminaries, banners, and participated in fundraisers and activities to bring the event to life.

“Survivors, wherever your journey takes you, we hope that you know that your team has just grown larger by over 500 people, because we will

continue to cheer you on andwish youhappiness and good health each and every day,” Bleaking said.

Students then sang “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and “I Run for Life” by Melissa Etheridge to honor those who are fighting. In honor of those who lost their battle to cancer, the students and staff wrote messages to loved ones on balloons, and held a Memory Balloon Launch led by Aubrey Zabele, who lost her brother Riley last year to cancer. Students and participants wiped away tears as they released their balloons to “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

After the opening ceremony, survivors were escorted on a lap around the relay track by the student who invited them, and then had their picture taken at a photo boothdecoratedfor the event. Copies of the photos will be sent home this week.

SUBMITTED PHOTO J.D. George teachers MaryKay McAndrew, right, Ann Torrey, Trevor Haskell, Eileen Bleaking are at J.D. George Elementary School on Friday.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Trevor Haskell, right, Aubrey Zabele, and Eileen Bleaking at the J.D. George Elementary School on Friday, June 7.