The American Cancer Society Relay for Life event being held at Penncrest High School on May 9-10, 2008 promises to be ‘all of the above’ and HCI is proud to support and participate in this important Asset-Building effort. Hundreds of students, adults and parents are joining forces to do something positive and even the organizers are amazed with the results! At this time, there are 70 teams and more than 500 participants, ready to do whatever it takes, to raise money for cancer research, education and services for patients and their families. Relay For Life is a team event combining the best elements of a camp-out, block party and walk-a-thon. Event activities include a touching Survivor Celebration, Caregiver Lap and Luminaria Ceremony, with each light bearing an honored loved one’s name.

The message that HCI brings to the community is to recognize how to build assets and this is a great example to highlight. Building the 40 Developmental Assets in a diverse, highly educated, resourceful community like ours, can be a most positive and enlightening experience, as Brian Kenney shares: “The choice to participate in HCI is one of the best choices I have made. It has helped to shape my future in ways that would never have occurred to me. Since becoming involved in HCI, the world seems to have more possibilities for me to shape my future. It has become easier through the support and encouragement I have received, and it has taken on greater meaning.”

The Relay for Life event is an example of:
Asset # 7 “Community Cherishes and Values Youth”
Asset #18 “Community Programs Led by Adults”
Asset #34 “Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity for Others”
Asset # 39 “Sense of Purpose for Youth”

To explain these Assets is simple- just look at what is happening at this event:
Asset #7 is showcased by the very nature of The Relay for Life, in that youth are welcomed and included in an important and life-altering experience where they can learn, feel and share in what cancer means to themselves and others.
Asset #18 is built by the effort of adults who have committed their time, talent and sweat to the success of the event, the safety of the kids involved and the maintaining of an alternative activity that teaches positive behaviors.
Asset #34 relates to enabling a young person to learn about their own cultural identity in a safe place while at the same time showing acceptance of others who are racially, physically, culturally or ethnically different. Wow, what a gift!
Asset #39 shines when the youth involved feel their own sense of purpose, realizing they have a stake in the outcome of the event and the resulting effects for patients and families of cancer.

HCI congratulates all the hard-working volunteers for their passion to Relay for Life and for our young people who they will touch along the way. You are truly the best of Asset Builders!!