Relay for Life Crowd Fills WHRHS Gym

Though not a requirement to join in, nearly everyone at Friday's Relay for Life event at Watchung Hills Regional had been touched by cancer, whether it was a friend, family member, grandparent—or parent.

For Mia Ruggiero, her father's diagnosis of cancer two weeks ago served as motivation to dive into the fundraising for the American Cancer Society. She joined the 16-member "All Night for the Fight" team and became the event's largest individual fundraiser.

Mia was joined by her father and mother at the event, who were participating in their first Relay event.

"I think it's really wonderful—look at all those people here to do something to help someone," Marisa Ruggiero said.

"Those people" lined the school's gym as the event was getting underway a little late, due to the last-minute move indoors, but joined in after the traditional Relay for Life Survivor's Walk, where the event's most honored guests—cancer survivors—walk the first of the night's lap.

After the first lap, the others joined in, with hundreds of students participating in teams with names like "Got Hope?" and "Charley's Angels"—and "Deliver for Diez," a team formed in tribute to .

"It's his last season at Watchung Hills and we're trying to do something special for him," team member Nick Mastrobattista, an outfielder for the Warriors, said.

This year's event was organized by students Katherine Humphey and Emilie Berman, who returned to organize a second Relay for Life for the ACS.

Berman said she was heartened by the crowded gym and what it means for the American Cancer Society.

"I'm really happy with the turnout this year," Emilie said. "Regardless of what we raise, it's going for a great cause."