The Home Page Network

On Tuesday May, 24, 2016, the Rock L. Butler Middle School hosted their 8th annual Mini Relay for Life event. Many students of the school raised money for the American Cancer Society, with a grand total of $3,651.50. After the money was collected, a carnival was held outside of the school to commemorate all of the student’s hard work.

“I’m a firm believer in giving back to the community,” Jennifer Outman said during the assembly for the guest speaker. “I want you all to have fun out there, but remember the reason behind all of this.”

Outman created the event eight years ago with the intent to give students a venue to make a difference. Before the festivities began, guest speaker Meg Ralston explained the ways that cancer had personally impacted her life, and how she overcame the disease. Only after her first semester at Mansfield University, Meg was diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 19. Doctors evaluated the options that were available for Meg, and gave her the choice between having her arm amputated to remove the tumor, or to live with only two years left in her life.

Deciding to undergo surgery to remove her arm, Meg was afraid that she wasn’t going to be able to do the things she once had. Meg explained how important her family’s support was during the difficult time in her life. Looking at Meg today, you can tell that cancer did not get the best of her.

The outside of the school was filled with students, laughter, and fun. There were many booths set up for kids to play games, purchase snacks, and even dunk their teachers in water! Home Page had the opportunity to speak with the student who raised the most amount of money, Ella Posada. Ella explained that the biggest motivator for her was the fact that someone very close to her survived cancer.