Racing for the Cure

By: Caterina Cattaneo

Photos by: Megana Boddam

Sierra Richter, 17, did not cry the day her stepmother, Leigh, died. Rather, she cried the week later, after she truly realized her stepmother was gone. Reminders of Leigh, such as her purple notebook lying open on the table, kept the death surreal.

Leigh had been suffering from throat cancer since Richter had been six years old, and her long illness led to Richter’s  involvement with Relay for Life, a race dedicated to raising money for fighting cancer.

Experiencing the death of her stepmother, Richter decided that “if there is a way to find a cure [for cancer], I want to be a part of it.”

At first, she wanted to take the traditional route and be in a lab directly searching for a cure. Soon, however, she discovered that she wanted a career in economics. Still, it was important for her “to do something.” So when her friends decided to volunteer for Relay for Life, Richter became heavily involved with the program.

Now, Richter is going into her third year as the chairwoman for numerous boards responsible for coordinating fundraising.

Partnered with schoolwork, tennis, a job, and skiing, three hours a week working for Relay for Life adds stress and inconvenience to her schedule. Despite this, she does not foresee quitting in the near future.

She wishes to do whatever she can to help because she knows what it’s like. Richter emphasized that the last months are especially tough because “you can’t do anything.” She described a feeling of helplessness when her stepmother could not possess the energy to perform everyday tasks, and her family could not do anything to help.

Richter wishes to prevent other people from experiencing the effects of cancer. “It sucks. Kids are way too young to be dying.”

“It’s really inspiring to see a community come together and support each other,” Richter said, describing what she witnesses at Relay for Life. “You’re not in it alone.”

Not only does Richter manage funds, but she also organizes the supplies for Luminaria, an event that lights lanterns in the names of people who have passed from cancer. This includes collecting glow sticks and paper bags that display the names of cancer victims.
Every year, she makes one for Leigh.