CR North junior organizing Relay for Life to fight cancer

Putting together a major charity fundraiser isn't on the agenda for most high school juniors.

But Dan Pomerantz of Council Rock High School North in Newtown Township figures all the work will be offset by the satisfaction of helping people with cancer and their families.

Pomerantz, 16, is organizing an American Cancer Society Relay for Life to be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 8 at CR North's Walt Snyder Stadium, 62 Swamp Road. It will be the first Relay for Life held in Council Rock, he said.

"It is a load, all the details involved in organizing this, but it will definitely be worth it," said Pomerantz, a Newtown Township resident.

"It's a great way to use my time and give back," he continued. "I was involved in Relays for Life when I lived in North Carolina about 10 years ago, and I've missed having them here and I think it will be a great thing for Council Rock."

Pomerantz' motivation is also somewhat personal.

"I have an aunt and uncle who survived cancer," he said. "I think most of us at one time or another have been affected by cancer at some?point in our lives?with either a relative or friend or someone we know having it."

A Relay for Life involves teams of 10 to 15 members circling a track for 12 straight hours with the idea that at least one team member is on the track at all times. The goal is for each team member to raise $100, and the team $1,000. There is also a $10 entrance free for each team member.

Pomerantz hopes to raise at least $25,000 in this event. The money will aid cancer patients and survivors and their families in various ways, he said.

Council Rock North Principal Susan McCarthy praised Pomerantz and everyone else who is helping to bring the event to the school district.

"CRN is very proud of the altruism of our students and staff, especially in light of all of the time and energy they are devoting to such a worthwhile cause," said McCarthy.

Relays for Life started in May 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Wash., ran around the track at the University of Puget Sound there for 24 straight hours. Joined by friends for stretches of the marathon, Klatt raised $27,000 for the Tacoma office of the American Cancer Society.

Since then, Relays for Life have grown to the point where they are held in 20 countries and have raised $4.8 billion in the last 28 years, according to relayforlife.org.

To participate in the Council Rock North event or for more information, call 404-329-5127 or visit relayforlife.org/panewtown.

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Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/50849407/ns/local_news-delaware_valley_pa_nj/

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