Nearly 400 Wauwatosa West and East students participated in the 17th Annual Relay 4 Life hosted by Wauwatosa West & East Key Clubs on Friday, May 30th at Wauwatosa West.
This event is hosted to raise money for the American Cancer Society, by walking laps on the track and donating money. According to the American Cancer Association, in 2024, over 5,000 relay for life events were held across the United States.
“Relay for life, in addition to cancer patient support, detection, and prevention, a significant portion of funds raised each year supports research, including both basic science and clinical trials, in an effort to find new treatments and cures for various types of cancer,” said Mr. Hamman, a former teacher at Wauwatosa East, and the honored guest to have the “survivor speech” this year.
The event held at Tosa West began at 6pm and went until 12am with 28 teams participating from both West and East High School.
“Leading up to Relay 4 Life, we have months of checklists and preparation. It’s student led, so we have multiple meetings at coffee shops with the East and West Key Club Boards. It’s so much fun getting to work with new people and watch our ideas come together.” said senior and the president of Tosa West’s Key Club, Lilly Murat.
The Key Club board members from Tosa East and West come together to create a fantastic night for all the 400 students and families who attend the event.
The Tosa West Key Club is run by Lilly Murat, Jennifer Liang, Sadie Knie, Tina Aserade, Zahri Weimer, Kate Koenigs and Mr. Koepke. The Tosa East Key Club is run by Kate Iding, Isabelle Erickson, Claire Foley, Julia Fossum, Meredith Thomas and Mr. Olsen.
This event only has one rule, and it is to have one person from each team walking at all times, “to symbolize the never ending energy and effort it takes to fight cancer,” as said by Lilly Murat.
“Walking laps helps spread awareness about cancer, and how patients never stop fighting to beat it, so we shouldn’t stop walking,” said Wauwatosa West 9th grader Brynn Zirbes.
Throughout the night students walk laps, often with other students from both Tosa East and West, along with chaperones, survivors and caregivers.
“I love that the event brings both East and West students together because there’s so many things we do- like sports games- where we oppose each other, and those events are great, but it’s also really fun to have opportunities where we can all come together as a community,” said junior Lucy Deutsch, future vice president for the Tosa West Key Club.
Relay 4 Life combines events to raise awareness about the impact and significance of cancer, public support for individuals and families impacted, as well as a spirited fund raising and community building event.
During the night there are many fun activities like musical chairs, dodgeball, limbo and tug-a-war, that happen on the football field and help to keep students engaged. Many students bring volleyballs, footballs, frisbees, and spikeball to play when they are not walking laps.
“One of my favorite parts of the entire event is emceeing limbo! I probably have too much fun with it, but I love how silly it gets,” said Lilly Murat.
“I liked playing spike ball with my friends and some of the other teams because I got to see all the different and unique group costumes and talk to everyone,” said Mazlyn Thomas, a Freshman at Wauwatosa West.
The theme for costumes this year was Eras/Time Periods, and students did not disappoint, dressing up fully as their assigned theme.
The winners of the costume contest this year were…
In first place, was the Cavemen from Tosa East, in second place was the Colonials from Tosa East, and third place was a tie between Jazzercise from Tosa East and West. The honorable mentions were given to Y2K from Tosa East & West, and Covid from Tosa East.
“My favorite part of Relay 4 Life was getting to do cool outfits with your friends and playing games at night,” said Lilly Kabelowsky, a freshman at Wauwatosa West.
“I love getting to spend time with my friends and seeing all the students walking and raising money for a really good cause,” said Tosa East High School Sophomore Eliana Putnam.
At 8pm Mr. Hamman, a former teacher at Tosa East who was diagnosed with cancer, gave a “survivor speech”, talking about his story and the struggles along the way.
“Over 400 people sat silently, phones away and fully present, as they listened to the speaker share his heartfelt journey. The level of respect and attention from the students was truly moving,” said English teacher and Tosa West Key Club Advisor, Mr. Koepke.
This was then followed by the Survivor & Caregiver Lap, where students, teachers, and families can walk the track, both cancer patients and caregivers. Students line the track, cheering on the families as they walk by.
“It is touching and impactful to listen to cancer’s impact on Mr. Hamann and how his family has supported him. The survivor & caregiver lap followed his emotional speech, with everyone lining the track and clapping, honoring him and the other survivors & supporters. It makes me tear up every year!” said Junior and Tosa West Communications Liaison, Kate Koenigs.
As the clock strikes 12, the lights go off and the luminaries, which are decorated with the names of past and present cancer patients, line the track. This is called the luminary walk, and it is a time to honor everyone who has passed and who is fighting cancer.
“My favorite part of Relay for Life was the luminary walk. Seeing all the lights was such a beautiful and meaningful moment to honor those we have lost, and celebrate those who are still battling,” said Sophomore and future Communications Liaison for Tosa West Key Club, Juri Ngo.
“It’s a moment of shared remembrance and inspiration that leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved,” said Mr. Koepke. 2
This event has a special place in many people’s hearts and is a beautiful way to honor and remember those we have lost, and those fighting cancer.
“It’s an extremely powerful event that brings us all together in the fight against cancer. As a community we walk together. We cry together. We celebrate hope together. We show, loud and clear, that no one fights alone,” said senior and vice president at West, Jennifer Liang.
