Welcome to the team page of
TEAM NEAR

Our Reason to Relay

Dear friends, family, and fans of the Nears,

Thank you for taking the time to visit TEAM NEAR's Relay for Life webpage.  TEAM NEAR was formed in honor of John Near, Pam, Casey, and Kate.  Our team consists of eleven of John Near's former high school basketball players and A.P. U.S. History students.  Many of us visited Mr. Near in the hospital, and felt that while buying gifts and flowers is nice, we wanted to do more.  

Relay for Life is a national fundraiser event that raises money for the American Cancer Society (ACS).  ACS is one of the largest financial contributors to the field of cancer research, second only to the federal government. Relay for Life is an event that honors everyone who is currently battling cancer, those who are in remission, and those who lost their lives in the fight against cancer.  Relay is a community event that brings together all of us who want to see more remissions within our lifetime; Relay brings out those of us who want to witness fewer loved ones who must battle cancer.

John Near has been an inspiration to us in a number of ways...More than a role model, he exemplifies what it means to live with conviction, courage, and honor.  He's the kind of teacher that makes you think on your toes, and the kind of coach that inspires you to outrun your intimidating opponent.  He's the kind of father and husband that cooks dinner for his family, and cradles his dog until she falls asleep.  He's the kind of friend who sincerely cares to hear about how you're doing after coming back from a ridiculously stressful semester at college.  Though the proceeds do not help John or his family directly, the financial support is evidence of the fact that we will not back down in this battle against cancer, and also, that no one who battles cancer is completely alone.  While cancer affects thousands of people, the support and understanding stems from twice as many.  All proceeds are directed towards finding a cure, as well as to services for cancer patients (i.e. transportation, prevention/dection services, support groups, etc). 

We hope that you can take the time to donate to the American Cancer Society.  All donations are tax refundable. You can donate online by clicking the "Donate" button on our webpage. If you would like to walk (relay) in honor of John Near and/or another friend/family member, please feel free to join us on August 15 at Palo Alto High School. The event begins at 10am on the 15th and ends at 10am on the 16th (but feel free to drop by at anytime. Look out for our team; we will have TEAM NEAR posters/signs!). There will be candlelight vigil held at 8pm on the night of the 15th to honor our beloved warriors who are fighting against cancer. If you cannot make it to the event, but would like to dedicate a Luminaria to honor John Near, you can do so by clicking "Luminaria".  

We hope to see many of your beautiful faces on the 15th!!

Always,

TEAM NEAR