socially distanced Archives -

The Relay for Life initiative of the American Cancer Society is the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event in the world dedicated to saving lives from cancer. Communities worldwide have come together for more than 35 years to celebrate and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change.

Over the next couple of months, Relay for Life will be hosting socially distanced events throughout Broward County to raise money and take action.

On March 20, Relay for Life is hosting “Relay’s Got Talent” at Parkland Amphitheater https://tinyurl.com/relaysgottalent2021. School of Rock is sponsoring this event. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all different types of talent are invited to perform on stage. The performances will be streamed via Facebook for people to watch and enjoy. Whichever performer raises the most money for American Cancer Society wins. For contestants performing at the amphitheater, the event is socially distanced.

Event lead for Relay for Life of Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate, and Coconut Creek 2021, Megan Mila, said, “This is the first year we have had this event, and it won’t be the last. Many people are excited about this because their kids will have a platform to perform. There are so many people with brilliant talents that really deserve to be displayed and shown to the public.”

On April 24, Relay for Life is hosting a Reinvented Survivor Ceremony https://www.relayforlife.org/parklandfl. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Parkland Equestrian Center, this drive-up event will be surrounded by all the survivors. As attendees drive in, the top sponsors and top teams will be displayed on sponsor row. Once parked, Relay for Life will have a screen and a stage to display MSD JROTC performing the color guard. Mayors of the cities will be speaking, and the performances from the virtual talent show will be on screen. According to Mila, the most important part of the ceremony is their dedication video for those they have lost and those suffering from cancer. If interested in attending, please sign up on their website.

Last but not least, on May 22, Relay for Life is hosting a golf tournament http://www.swingforacure.com. The tournament will be held at the Country Club of Coral Springs. This event will have food, drinks, prizes, and more. At 11 a.m., registration begins. All attendees will receive a swag bag and lunch. Following the tournament, attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks as prizes are being awarded. Prizes include a seven-night resort stay package, and hole-in-one prizes for $10,000 cash.

To sign up, email rflgolfevent@gmail.com. “We are really excited to be working with Chris Fletcher and Mike Fiorello to organize the event,” Mila said.

Dear Dr. Renae,

A member of my immediate family living in my home has a medical condition which makes them immune compromised. Out of love, respect and fear for their safety, I have limited my social interactions. My friends understood at first but have begun subtly pressuring me to go out. I feel very left out, and it really makes it so much harder since I am missing out on so much. I am also worried about infecting my family member, so I have not even been attending school in person. I feel isolated and may be becoming depressed. I just want my friends to understand.

Alone at 17

Dear Alone at 17,

Your concern for your family is very honorable. You’ve made the right decision by staying home to keep your family safe. I would suggest talking to your friends and explaining to them how you feel and why you don’t want to go out. I would hope that your friends are mature enough to realize that you are making the right choice in staying home. After that I would suggest just talking to them over the phone or having zoom nights together. There’s a lot of online games that you and your friends can play together, or you can just relax and talk to each other. Remember that you can always have fun even if you’re not physically together. I wish you the best of luck.

High School Senior

Dear Alone at 17,

You are not alone!! There are so many people who are going through the exact same thing as you. I think that you are being very responsible and caring, and I’m sure your friends will see that! I suggest finding a group of people to have nightly zoom calls with and plan fun things to do together on the phone. Another example is to ask your friends to have a socially distant lunch!! I for one have been extremely cautious during COVID like you and one thing I have done to see my friends is having a socially distant lunch or hangout! You pick an outdoors area and go separately with your own blanket and sit apart in a huge circle… lots of feet apart! During these trying times, it is definitely important to find people that can support you on your off days. I hope you are doing well.

A Caring Friend

Dear Alone at 17,

I have people around me who also pressure me to go out, so I completely understand where you are coming from. I found the best way to remedy the situation is with communication. It may help to communicate with your friends through a video chat or voice call about your experience with the pandemic and how you feel left out. It would also be helpful to come up with some stay-at-home events your friends can do together. I suggest game nights, powerpoint nights, or just chatting on the phone. I hope you don’t feel so alone in the future.

Your Fellow Teen

Dear Alone at 17,

It is inconceivable to be robbed of your much anticipated social year and normal for you to feel a loss. Your love and respect for your family is admirable especially for a teen. You sound like you are comfortable with your decision, an important predictor for your ability to make future difficult decisions. Friends who acknowledge and respect your choice will likely stand out head and shoulders above those friends who do not understand. Focusing your attention on these true friends will likely bring you more comfort than focusing attention on those who regrettably surprised you with their lack of support. True friends will find creative ways to remain connected to you, especially now when you need your friends more than ever. In addition, when you are able to finally socialize in person, it will be helpful to know who your true friends are so you can count on them in the future.

Dr. Renae

TEENS: Curious as to what other teens would say? If you have a question or problem you would like to present to other teens, please email: askdrrenae@att.net and include your age, grade, and gender you identify with. All questions are published anonymously and your identity and contact information will be kept confidential.

PARENTS OF TEENS: Would you like to anonymously and confidentially ask the panel of teen Peer Counseling Writers to comment on a parenting issue you are struggling with? If you are ready for a variety of honest opinions from real teens, please address your questions to askdrrenae@att.net.

Dr. Renae Lapin, a licensed marriage and family therapist with 40 years experience, currently maintains a private practice in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information about Dr. Renae and her practice, visit her website: https://askdrrenae.com

Tag: socially distanced

‘Relay for Life’ set to help fight cancer