Has an inspirational story of a complete stranger ever moved you to tears? You may have heard of Lauren Hill, number 22. Several months after making it on a college basketball team she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Her wish was to play in a college game. Her coach got approval to move the start of the season up a few weeks and the game was played in front of 2,500 fans. Lauren scored the first and the last layups of the game. She said it was the best day of her life but it was also a day that will never be forgotten by anyone who was there. Lauren raised more than $1.5 million to help find a cure for pediatric brain cancers. She knew that a cure would not be discovered in time to save her life, but she was grateful that she could be a voice for all the other kids who will be diagnosed.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay Walk for Life of Martha’s Vineyard is this Saturday and Sunday at the high school. Although this is a fundraising event, it is open to everyone. There is no requirement to walk, run, fund raise or spend the night. The event starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday and closing ceremonies are at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The survivor’s walk is at 3 p.m. and the luminaria walk is at 9 p.m. Our theme this year is Gaming on a Cure, so there will be lots of games and entertainment for the whole family.

The relay is an opportunity for Islanders to come together to honor cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease. For more information please visit our web page (relayforlife.org/marthasvineyardma) or call me at 508-560-0457. I hope to see you on the track this Saturday, May 30.

Tammy King
Vineyard Haven