Kids Mini Relay Preceding Annual Cancer Event

Prior to the official start of this year’s Relay For Life of Newtown June 9, local elementary students from kindergarten through fourth grade will participate in a mini relay just like the teen and adult volunteers will begin a few hours later.

This special relay event, Kids for a Cure, is scheduled from 3 to 5 pm with the goal of incorporating fundraising and cancer education, according to Relay Co-Chair Dawn Escoda.

“The American Cancer Society tells us education is a key ingredient in cancer prevention,” Ms Escoda said. “Two thirds of all cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices in our daily lives, and this is an opportunity to equip families and kids with child-friendly information by grade level.”

This information will enhance the current curriculum, which is already educating children about cancer prevention through nutrition, physical activity, sun safety, and tobacco prevention. The ACS suggested curriculum provides teachers with additional opportunities to teach cancer awareness in a nonthreatening way, such as kindergartners learning a song about sun safety and fourth graders learning about the effects of the sun through experimentation. 

Teams are currently being formed at Sandy Hook, Hawley, Middle Gate, Head ‘O Meadow and St Rose Elementary Schools. Kids for a Cure co-chairs have distributed and are currently collecting registration forms at each school.

Several fundraisers taking place at the schools include selling moons and stars, children’s “chore booklets,” and necklaces. A “cutest baby contest” and penny collection are also taking place in the schools.

At the mini relay on June 9, students can choose to walk in honor, or in memory, of those who have been touched by cancer. Other planned activities include a cancer awareness games called “Slip, Slop, Slap,” which reinforces a child’s awareness of the sun’s harmful effects.

And “The Road to Recovery” pits teams using Flintstones-style foot powered cars to pick up and drop off “patients.”

There will also be entertainment, including the kick off of the night’s music program with Relay MC John Voket, theme laps, and a magic show during the two-hour mini relay.

For additional information, visit acsevents.org/ relay/ctnewtown.