Pleasantville Teens Make a Difference with 'Relay'

Over the course of four years participating in Relay for Life, Pleasantville's Kathryn Harmon has raised $30,600 to support the American Cancer Society.

The now Hackley School senior organized her first Relay event for the school as an eighth grader.

"My participation and enthusiasm for this event stems from my experience with cancer as my mom, Sue Harmon, is a two-time breast cancer survivor herself," the 17-year-old explained in an email to Patch. "I have helped her with her efforts for fundraising for the American Cancer Society's making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk (which we attend every year at Manhattanville College) so when I found out my school was offering me the opportunity to make my own team and raise my own funds for the American Cancer Society, I was thrilled."

Harmon's own fundraising team, Girls Rule, "consists of a group of my friends who help me fundraise" and has consistently been among the school's top three fundraising teams.

"This success directly correlates to the undying and unconditional support of my donors who continually offer their gratitude to help me in my efforts to make a difference in the world of cancer," said Harmon.

Kathryn's sister Molly, now a ninth grader, was also a team captain and helped organize the relay this year, which took place from May 18 to 19.

Her team, Girls Rule 2.0, brought in $9,279, while Kathryn's team raised $6,215. 

The teams raise funds leading up to the event and then spend 12 hours (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) on the Tarrytown campus' track "in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who have passed on due to cancer," according to Kathryn Harmon.

As Harmon's senior year wraps up, she received a scholarship and a "Miles of Hope" award for her efforts in organizing the school's Relay for Life over the past several years, Sue Harmon shared.

Reflected Kathryn, "As the daughter of a survivor and the friend of many who have not been as lucky as my family has been, I feel that it is my responsibility to share my story and help make a change."