Local teacher Crystal Coronel will hold Relay For Life of Chelsea High School
By Cary Shuman
Crystal Coronel will bring the first Relay For Life of Chelsea High School to the city on Saturday, May 16, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Chelsea Memorial Stadium.
A health teacher at the school and the adviser to the CHS Against Cancer Club, Coronel said Relay For Life will be the club’s culminating event for the school year.
“The idea is that we are opening up our space for such an impactful event because so many people have been touched by cancer whether they themselves have gone through it or they have a loved one or a friend who has been affected by it.”
Coronel, a brilliant young woman who is of Cuban and Ecuadorian descent, and studied mathematics at unheralded educational gem, Florida International University, is dedicating her event-coordinating efforts in memory of her grandmother (Josefina Cordero), “who was my best friend.”
“We lost her to pancreatic cancer in 2010,” said Coronel. “I had gone to her chemotherapy sessions. I had done all the things with her during the treatment phase. It was not a good thing, but I felt like I did my part. That was my first instance of seeing cancer and being impacted by it.”
Coronel came to Chelsea for a new teaching opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in her position in 2020.
“I left my entire family behind in Miami, and the Chelsea community became my family,” she said. “While I was teaching, my nephew was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. He was fortunate enough to ring his bell [signifying his completion of radiation and chemotherapy treatments]. Since I wasn’t able to be there in support of him in the same way I was there for grandmother, this is my way of giving back.”
More than 200 people expected
Coronel said more than 200 people will compete in the Relay For Life, which would be an immense turnout for a first-ever event.
“Several of my colleagues will be participating as well as a number of students,” said Coronel. “There will be a Battle of the Bands with five local bands performing during the event. We also have some food trucks and vendors who will donating a portion of their proceeds to the Relay.”
During the event, teams will walk around the Chelsea High track at pace of their own.
“We just want the community to come here and have a good time,” said Coronel. People can walk the track, or they can just socialize and enjoy the food and music. We’re encouraging people to wear purple, which is the overall American Cancer Society brand color.”
Coronel said there will be ceremonies honoring cancer survivors and caretakers.
“Proceeds from the event will go toward the American Cancer Society, cancer research, and resources for cancer patients,” said Coronel. “Our goal is to raise $17,500. It’s lofty, but we already have $1,100. Sponsorship opportunities are available.”
City Manager Fidel Maltez, Rep. Judith Garcia, City Councilor Lisa Santagate, City Council President Roberto Jimenez Rivera and his wife, School Committee member Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Neville, have confirmed their attendance at the Relay For Life. Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Hassell is assisting in the planning of the event.
“My hope is that this can be an event that Chelsea looks forward to every year,” said Coronel.