Emily Mlynarek ’14 | Staff Writer

After participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for four years, Cassandra Morse and Jordan Kavanaugh, both ’14, decided to create their own Relay team, ‘Kiss Cancer Goodbye’, Kavanaugh said.

“We participate to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays,” said Kavanaugh, reiterating the organization’s slogan.

Relay for Life is the largest community focused event in the world, raising over $400 million for the American Cancer Society just last year, Morse said.

Relay for Life Grosse Pointe will take place at the Grosse Pointe Woods Park on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. Twenty four teams, composed of members of the Grosse Pointe communities, will partake in the event, Morse said.

At the event, teams set up campsites surrounded by music, food, games and entertainment for all ages. Team members will take turns walking the track, rain or shine, every two hours from 10 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday, a fully 24 hours, in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society, Kavanaugh said.

“The fun memories you create each year at Relay for Life, and the camaraderie and spirit created around the track stays with you long after the weekend is over,” said Morse.

Walking in the Relay for Life is an opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember lost loved ones, but also to raise awareness about cancer prevention and raise money to help fuel the world’s largest walk to end cancer, Kavanaugh said.

“We captain a team because we believe in the cause, we believe in ourselves and the impact we can make,” said Morse. “We believe in our friends who will join us and support us, so together we can all make a difference.”

“(This cause) is close to her heart,” said Frances Morse, Cassandra’s mother.

Currently, Kiss Cancer Goodbye has over 50 members, all South students, and Carly Hampton ’14 is working towards recruiting as many students to join the team as possible.

“The more people we can encourage to join our team, or even visit and join in the festivities on the day, the more successful we will be,” said Hampton.

Although the event does not take place until May, the team has started preparing now in order to reach their goals, Morse said.

The team goal is to raise $2,000 for the American Cancer Society. Most fundraising is done prior to the event with donations and sponsorship, however purchasing of luminaries and other products at the event itself all assist in meeting each team’s goals, Kavanaugh said.

“The feeling of accomplishment, knowing you have helped raise money and awareness for maybe your neighbor or best friend’s mom, are just a few of the reasons why we relay,” said Morse.

Because cancer does not sleep, the Relay is a 24 hour event and will take place rain or shine, Kavanaugh said.

“Cancer does not show up when it is most manageable and can easily fit into your schedule,” said Morse. “Cancer does not give you a head start or make sure the fight takes place on an even playing field.”

There is a lap dedicated to survivors, celebrating them and their caregivers. This is a ceremony where hundreds of luminaries light the track in remembrance of those who have battled cancer and won, lost or are still fighting.

“The Survivors’ lap is the most powerful part of the event,” said Kavanaugh. “It inspires everyone to make a difference.”

‘Kiss Cancer Goodbye’ encourages joining in the festivities in order to make a difference, Hampton said.

“We are very proud of her (Morse’s) dedication, and support her entirely,” said Frances Morse. “It’s inspiring to see what our youth can achieve.”

[info] To join the event or to donate to ‘Kiss Cancer Goodbye,’ visit the team’s website here[/info]