Students with Relay for Life make a difference

By: Lindsay Little
Posted In: News

A lecture hall of befuddled faces stares back at the student who is trying to recruit people to her Relay for Life team.

“Relay for what?” a confused voice asks.

“It’s called the Relay for Life…It’s a really great cause. All of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society,” the student replied, thinking, “Cancer! Please help! I know you’ve heard of it!”

In fact, if you have had classes in O’Hare Academic Center or visited the lobby of Miley during the last few weeks in March, you may have noticed a group of students trying to spread cancer awareness.

Members of Salve’s Circle K, a collegiate Kiwanis community service group, have been manning tables in two of the high traffic areas on campus armed with cancer facts and statistics in hopes of sparking interest in participating in the upcoming Relay for Life.

The opening ceremonies of the 3rd Annual Relay for Life at Salve will commence at 5 p.m. on April 16, 2004, and will continue until 5 p.m. the next day. The event will take place on the circular pathway in front of Wakehurst Student Center and the surrounding areas. The 24-hour relay is traditionally opened with a survivors lap. All cancer survivors who are interested in participating are welcome to attend.

The American Cancer Society estimates that this year nearly 1,500 Americans will die of cancer per day. Statistically, that is equal to about two-thirds of the Salve community dying every day. College students are by no means immune to cancer and its effects. If you have not personally fought cancer, chances are someone you know has.

In past years the Relay for Life at Salve has raised nearly $10,000. However, the amount of money that the event can raise is largely dependent on the participation of the Salve community. While awarding of volunteer hours for participation in the Relay will be very strict this year, you are encouraged to participate in this fun event out of the goodness of your heart.

Free food and entertainment will be provided throughout the event including three live band performances, a juried karaoke competition, and a scavenger hunt with prizes for the winners, says Entertainment Committee Chair Emeline Walker. The food for the event is being donated by Newport area businesses.

The idea for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was conceived 19 years ago by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and runner from Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Klatt walked and ran a 24-hour one-person relay around a track in May of 1985. At the end of his overnight event Dr. Klatt had logged 83 miles and raised $27,000 through sponsorship and donations from his community, which he donated to the American Cancer Society.

Since 1985, the Relay for Life has spread to nearly 3,800 communities around the U.S. and to eight foreign countries who want to raise money to fund cancer research, education, and patient advocacy.

It is encouraging to know that the efforts of past cancer fundraisers have not been in vain. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer treatment is improving. Through clinical trials researchers have been discovering, developing, and evaluating new therapies. Doctors have discovered new ways to keep cancer from recurring and, in some cases, to prevent initial onset.

If you are interested in starting a Relay team: Gather your dormmates, athletic teammates, co-workers, or family and friends, then contact Liz Bishop at elizabeth.bishop@salve.edu or by calling 341-4030.

If you are interested in donating to the American Cancer Society: Contact Liz or any other member of Salve Circle K, or you may visit the Relay for Life at Salve website at www.acsevents.org/relay/RIsalveregina to pledge a donation by credit card.