Imagine a world with more birthdays.

Students, families, and community members gathered at the Leslie Sherman Memorial Track last weekend to pull an all-nighter for the 2nd Annual Springfield-Burke Relay for Life. The event raised over $140,000 for cancer research.

The American-Cancer-Society-sponsored event was headed by co-chairs and WS parents John Ariale and Leslie Carlin. They founded the event last year in honor of Beth Bryan, a WS parent and beloved community member who died of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, in 2009.

“I am not sure that words could capture the sense of pride and accomplishment I feel today about what we have done,” said Ariale. “I know we all have our own personal stories, but when I think back to the summer of 2009 when a small group of Beth’s friends gathered together to figure out what we could do to honor her, I am amazed at how far we have come.”

Over 1,000 people registered for the event on teams, but many others from the community who were not signed up for teams still came out and enjoyed the fun and good nature of the evening. Leading up to the actual night, team members fundraised and prepared for the event by asking for donations that went straight to the American Cancer Society.

“I liked that it makes it possible to have fun with your friends while raising money and helping towards a good cause,” said junior Isabelle White.

Many people from last year’s inaugural event returned to this year’s, but they did see some changes. Many new, different activities were available to those who stayed the night on the turf field. Giant hamster balls, a video game truck, kickball tournaments, and laser tag were among the options during the “Midnight Madness” segment and for staying active throughout the night.

 “I liked all the new activities this year like the people singing and the hamster balls,” said White.

While the activities provided entertainment and energy to keep participants up all night, no one forgot the real reason the event was held.

“It was wonderful to see so many friends and neighbors come together for this special night,” said Ariale.

“I firmly believe that we have started something amazing and we have created a solid foundation in our community for future Relays,” said Ariale.