For Rebekah Fries, starting a Relay For Life team was not just about helping others.
The junior from South Williamsport created her team, Team Tina, after her mother's diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2010.
"It hit home, and I wanted to show some support for the cause," Fries said. "I had participated in the Relay at Lycoming College, so I knew what Relay For Life was."
After her mother passed away, Fries was determined to do all that she could so that other people did not have to go through what she did.
As captain of Team Tina, Fries is surrounded by friends, families and students.
Team Tina was the top youth fundraising team last year, raising more than $3,000 for the American Cancer Society.
"I want to remain the top youth fundraising team. We have a monetary goal of $3,500 to $4,000 this year," she said.
Fries' team size has gone down from last year, but that doesn't mean they are short of raising money. Each member has been individually raising money.
"We went from 15 to 16 people last year to 12 to 13 this year. It's been easier for the members to be individually raising money," Fries said.
Fries has sold T-shirts with "Team Tina" on them, including a phrase that her mother said, "Keep the faith."
"It has been a rewarding process to see my friends be so supportive of me," Fries said.
This year, Team Tina not only held a yard sale at the South Williamsport United Methodist Church, they also will hold a Zumba-thon from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the South Williamsport Area High School Gymnasium. There is no registration for the event and there is a suggested donation of $5.
A family friend of Fries', Karen Caschera, who owns a dance studio, is teaching the class.
Fries and Team Tina have had an overwhelming amount of support from friends and family members, and Fries said that school officials have been completely supportive of the events.
"The teachers and principals have been so supportive," she said. "Everyone's excited for the Zumba-thon. They've let me advertise everywhere."
