VHHS to host Relay for Life event this weekend

For VHHS senior John David Walker, this year’s Relay for Life holds special meaning.

His mother, Lindy Walker, a community partner for Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills and a longtime human resources director of the American Cancer Society’s local chapter, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. Since then, John David has seen his mother endure four surgeries and 36 radiation treatments.

He will be co-chairing the Vestavia Relay this month.

“John David was already involved in Relay for Life before my diagnosis, but obviously this event became very personal to him,” Lindy said. “This year’s event is personal for our family.”

Of the many good works championed by VHHS students, few can outpace the school’s annual Relay for Life campaign, now in its 14th year at the high school. In 2014, Vestavia’s Relay for Life campaign earned the distinction of being the second-largest fundraising team out of all participating Relay for Life high schools nationwide. That record reflected $240,000 of fundraising, an amount that VHHS math teacher and Relay for Life faculty sponsor Claire Rhyne said they hope to exceed by at least another $10,000 this year. 

Vestavia’s 2015 Relay for Life takes place at the high school on Saturday, April 18, from 2 p.m. to midnight. The community event will include a family zone complete with inflatables and face painting from 2 to 5 p.m. and also will include tents (one per relay team), each offering their own game or activity in exchange for a small donation. Musical entertainment will also be on hand, courtesy of local bands and singing groups.