NATCHEZ &8212; A group of Trinity Episcopal students knew they were going to be doing something for cancer research they just didn&8217;t know it would hit so close to home.

The group, assigned to mentor each other over the years, includes senior Kyle Dunaway. Dunaway was recently diagnosed with cancer.

&8220;When Kyle was diagnosed, the members of that mentor group decided we are going to have a Relay for Life team,&8221; Trinity Head of School Delecia Carey said. &8220;His diagnosis was kind of the impetuous.&8221;

Since that quick decision the Trinity team has raised more than $3,000 for Relay for Life. The money will go to the American Cancer Society, not directly to the Dunaway family like other local fundraisers.

So far, the group has made and sold T-shirts that read, &8220;Life is tough get a helmet&8221; and have Dunaway&8217;s name on them.

Last Thursday they had a school-wide field day with games and a picnic lunch. Five-dollar donations were taken at the door.

And that night they had a community-wide dance with the band Black Bayou playing.

&8220;Of all the things I&8217;ve ever been to, it was really one of the absolute most fun,&8221; Carey said. &8220;Because everyone was there.&8221;

Children, teens and parents came to the event and paid a $5 admission fee. Dunaway also made a surprise appearance. T-shirts are still available by contacting the school office at 601-442-5424.