Expectations are high with over 370 participants already registered and funds raised already raised exceeding $28,479. The event marks the second annual Relay for Life sponsored by the WHHS Student Council for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Jodie Joseph, a junior, is the vice president for her grade and also the youngest member of the student council. Last year she was the entertainment chairperson; this year she is the overall event chair.

Initially proposed last year by graduates Jon Moriarty and Spencer Fertig, the relay generated over $45,000 with about 500 taking part. This year, however it’s the hope of Joseph and the others involved that contributions will top $100,000.

"I know the economy is rough right now, but people can give their time also if they can’t afford to give money," Joseph said.

Relay for Life is strictly an outdoor event. Participants stay overnight at WHHS with many sleeping in tents set up around the track. People spend time walking around the track and mingling with cancer survivors while others use the time to remember those lost to the disease.

"It’s not unusual to see walkers circling the track at 2 a.m. I was one of them last year. Cancer never sleeps," Joseph said.

The Relay is also a healing experience.

Last year’s "victory lap" included 25 survivors who all shared similar emotions while onlookers cheered them on.

"They see they’re not alone and that there are others out there who understand what they went through that they can communicate with," Joseph stated.

During the night, the track is lit up with luminary bags that can be purchased for $10 and designated for someone battling, a survivor, and in memory of a loved one.

Funds raised from the ACS Relays for Life are earmarked towards four different areas including research, education, advocacy, and patient services, according to Beverly Provido-Sahu, of the ACS, the largest fundraiser in the world.

Joseph’s desires to help began when she was in seventh grade and learned that a family friend who she babysat for had been struck with breast cancer.

"It really pushed me. I wanted to make everyone aware of cancer. And now almost everyone either knows someone with cancer or they themselves are affected by it themselves," said Joseph, whose three grandfathers are cancer survivors.

Statistics show that one out of three people are diagnosed with cancer. The ACS expects roughly 45,900 new cases to be reported throughout New Jersey in 2008.

Breast cancer is one of the most prominent forms of the disease, with an anticipated 182,460 new cases to occur this year. Not including skin cancers, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. It is expected that 40,930 breast cancer deaths will occur - 40,480 women and 450 men - will be reported in 2008. Breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.

There is no rain date for the Relay for Life at WHHS. As Joseph puts it, "Cancer doesn’t care if it’s rains or not. If it rains we’ll just deal with it."

A DJ as well as four local bands will provide entertainment. Movies will also be shown and sports equipment will also be available. Participants are also encouraged to bring along their own fun.

Food and soft drinks will be provided by local businesses.

The Student Council is also looking to generate awareness around the school by selling sun and moon cards that can be purchased and personalized for someone affected by cancer in whatever capacity and then hung up in the hallways.

This event takes place on May 31 starting 2 p.m. at Wayne Hills High School, located at 272 Berdan Ave.

The opening ceremony begins at 4 p.m. with the Survivor’s Lap and Celebration. The Luminary Ceremony will be held at 10 p.m. The Fight Back Ceremony is 1 a.m. and the Closing Ceremony takes place 6:30 a.m.

Anyone interested in purchasing a luminary bag or to sign up and/or help out can call Beverly Provido-Sahu at 201-457-3418, ext. 2231 or bevery.provido-sahu@cancer.org.. Jodie Joseph can be reached at Jlojoseph128@aol.com. Participants can also register in person the day of the event.