“Who you gonna call?” If you said “Ghostbusters,” you weren’t far off.  This year’s Relay for Life returns to Bridgeport High School track with a movie theme and one of the most enthusiastic teams in the event has chosen “Ghostbusters” as their theme.  Hope Fighters, a team organized with the help of  Bridgeport High School sophomore Jordanna Giannone and her mother, Allison, will be participating for the third year in a row, initially inspired by some of Allison’s co-workers who were fighting cancer.

 

The team started when Jordanna was a student at Bridgeport Middle School and has grown each year. This year, they are hoping to have around twenty members, including many teens who are interested in raising awareness and funds for cancer research.  The national event is organized by Tori Harper and will be help on May 31 from 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. at the BHS track.  

 

For 26 years, teams from all over the county join forces to find a cure for cancer   The  luminaria ceremony is held each year in memory of those lost to the disease and those wishing to participate can purchase a luminaria bag online for $10 and decorate it at the event. Canned goods are being collected through the Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club and the cans will weight down the luminarias and then be donated to local food banks.

 

According to Relay for Life organizer, Tori Harper, the event will have concessions, games, and activities for the entire family.  

 

“Our mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer,” said Harper. “The money raised will go toward cancer research, transportation and lodging for cancer patients, and more.  Our goal this year is $50,000.”

 

The Hope Fighters team has a goal of $1000 and will be offering face painting for $2, back massages for $1 per minute, a table where kids can make slime for the Ghostbusters theme, and various raffles.  They will also be selling hot dogs, popcorn, chips, drinks and more at the event.  

 

“My mom initially encouraged me to help with the team and she has been organizing the team with her co-workers each year,” said Giannone.  “Last year, our team won for the most laps walked, the most people still in attendance at midnight and the best campsite. We were awarded $300 for the three categories and it helped us see what a difference a few people can make in the fight for a cure. Next year, I hope to start an all-teen team at the high school to get more people involved.”

 

 Teams are still forming for the 2019 Relay for Life and those interested can register online at relayforlife.org/harrisonwv.  The site also lists local sponsors as well as other opportunities to support the American Cancer Society. 

 

“We could not make an impact on people’s lives without our volunteers, sponsors, donors, staff and survivors who continue to raise awareness and funds for this great cause,” said Harper.