On Apr. 24, the Pascack Hills Teens Against Cancer club (TAC) participated in its annual Relay for Life event at Paramus Catholic High School. During the event, participants honored survivors, expressed gratitude to caregivers and remembered those who lost their battle with cancer.

​The Teens Against Cancer (TAC) club at Pascack Hills empowers students to actively engage in the global fight against cancer. Through fundraising events like clothing sales, luminaria sales, Relay for Life, and sports competitions, TAC raises vital funds to support individuals and families affected by cancer.

Relay for Life is an event that TAC participates in through the American Cancer Society, along with multiple other schools. Relay for Life is a global initiative held across dozens of countries and has around thousands of events. This year, Pascack Hills was given the opportunity to attend the Relay for Life event held at Paramus Catholic High School, which, for Pascack Hills participants, lasted from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

During the event, walked the track of the host school to represent the ongoing battle against cancer that is fought between all cancer victims and survivors.

Each year, the American Cancer Society assigns a theme for all Relay for Life events. This year, the theme happened to be based on the TV show “Survivor,” which celebrated its 50th season this year. Three words from the show were chosen to illuminate the impact of the event: Outwit, Outplay, and Outlast. The theme of the event catered to this theme, as well as the attire of all the participants, to represent a unified community battling against cancer.

This year, one of Pascack Hills’ own students, Dren Bauta, beat his seven-month battle with leukemia.  In May of 2025, Dren was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent many difficult rounds of chemotherapy and other treatments. Today, he stands strong, after a hindering, exhausting journey. He is finally cancer-free after 7 months. Pascack Hills has been enthusiastic about the results of his journey as well as TAC. To honor his strength and journey, TAC has been holding events in his name, with all donations proceeding toward his family. At the Relay for Life event, Dren Bauta not only represented Pascack Hills, but also represented every cancer survivor. Stories like Dren’s are what inspire clubs like TAC to continue donating, advocating, and fighting, and for other victims of cancer to persevere.

​Prior to this event, at Pascack Hills, TAC has been decorating luminaria bags, which were encompassed in colorful, encouraging drawings and words. These luminaria bags were to be set up at Relay for Life, honoring those who had lost their battles to cancer. At the Relay for Life, a luminaria assembly was held where all the decorated luminaria bags were lit up and arranged to spell encouraging words like “hope”, beautifying the dark spring night. Additionally, TAC members were required to raise $120 each to donate to the event; ultimately, the club ended up raising well over $15,000 alone as a club to support cancer organizations.

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At the Relay for Life event, there were so many opportunities to have fun and celebrate cancer survivors. The activities included field games; walking the track, representing a continuous fight against cancer; competitions, including some involving tie – dyed shirts; hair tinsel stations; “Why You Relay” tablecloth activities; and more! Additionally, food trucks were provided for the convenience of participants since the event lasted from 5 p.m .to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. for all volunteers). Food truck options included Kona Ice, an empanada truck, Brownstone pancakes, and pizza. The event overall accommodated the needs of every participant and became a memorable experience for them to cherish.

​Alongside all of this fun, a moment had to be taken to support and celebrate the cancer survivors among the crowd at Relay for Life. Survivors were given the opportunity to share their stories and give words of inspiration and advice to all attending, especially those fighting their battle with cancer. No matter the identity of the person, all participants succeeded in supporting them and cherishing their journeys and words.

​Overall, the event was successfully executed, and all participants had an amazing time honoring others’ stories, and representing the passion within the ongoing battle against cancer. Looking forward, Pascack Hills TAC will bring another amazing Relay for Life event in collaboration with other schools and make sure that everyone’s story is heard. Ultimately, TAC and Relay for Life will make sure that a struggle is not undermined alone.