(May 16, 2008) — P.E. teacher Judith Thomsen readily clapped her hands as she waited for the laughing students to throw a wet sponge at her. Instead of adhering to the planned activity—putting on a shirt that said “colon cancer”—Thomsen made her appearance at the sponge-throwing fundraiser as “the cure for cancer,” donating money herself. More than a year after having surgery to remove her cancer, Thomsen, along with her family and friends, created a team for tomorrow’s Relay For Life in Newport Beach—this time in memory of her cousin-in-law Doug, who died from lung cancer in November. Meanwhile, seniors Adriana Valencia, Gustavo Endara and Tatevik Melkumyan and their teacher advisors Loretta Ngo and Carol Pettegrew are preparing for tomorrow’s Foothills Relay For Life at Clark. Valencia originally participated in the Relay For Life after a family member passed away from cancer. What she found was a support system waiting for her—celebrating life, remembering those who passed and comforting those battling through the disease. “It’s a bonding experience,” Valencia said. “It’s just a really touching event. Honestly.” But Valencia said that it’s difficult to get students to join this weekend event, especially seniors with their senior projects, AP tests and college preparation. Yet, more than 35 Clarkies have signed up, many of whom raised money to donate to the American Cancer Society. Those who decide to come to part of or the entire 24-hour event tomorrow will walk shifts, meet up with friends, eat, watch performances and help with activities. “Not a lot of sleep,” Valencia laughed. “I think I got 20 minutes last year.” Despite the fun and games, this event isn’t necessarily an easy one to attend considering all the emotional aspects involved. Valencia said that at night, after a speech from survivors, the lights will dim, and the attendees will take a lap in honor of cancer victims. Meanwhile, the luminarias that line the track—candles in white paper bags decorated for the victims—will shine for the first time. Tomorrow at Clark, participants will find a cigarette walking the track, as the Clark team will rotate a cigarette costume, borrowed from KATS Club, to bring awareness of how tobacco may lead to lung cancer and other health issues. Meanwhile, in Newport Beach, Thomsen’s Team Dougie will be remembering a non-smoker who suffered from lung cancer. Tomorrow, participants will meet those suffering from this seemingly unsolvable disease. Yet, they will also fi nd promises, for money raised at Relay will go towards the fi ght against cancer.