Volunteers needed to repeat success of Relay for Life

By Natalie Crawford
January 30, 2011

Relay For Life was started in 1985 by a man named Dr. Gordy Klatt. Klatt decided to walk around a track for 24-hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Just by this one man’s action, over 3.5 million people participate in this event all over the country.

“This event is important to Cabrini because I think it really unites the campus. Everybody knows someone who survived cancer or passed away from cancer. Fighting to find a cure for cancer is something everyone can relate to,” Melissa Phillips, last years Relay For Life participant and organizer, said.

Last year was Cabrini College’s first time joining in Relay For Life. With over 300 participants raising $27,000 and passing their goal of $23,000, the college wanted to advocate more by having another Relay For Life event.

“The first year event won an award from ACS rookie of the year for how successful it was. The goal for this year is $30,000,” Allie Potter, Relay For Life co-chair and senior special education major, said.

Several communities and colleges all over the United States participate in this event to raise money for the ACS. “The goal is to get teens to sign up and walk the whole night,” Potter said.

This event is a walk that will begin at 3 p.m. on March 26 and will go until 7 a.m. on March 27. It will be held in the Dixon Center.

Individuals can either walk as a team, walk alone or donate money. However, someone from a team must be walking at all times.

The point of that is to show that the walk has to last the whole night without stopping, because this disease doesn’t stop.

“I stayed up all night last year and it was worth every minute,” Mary Stevens, junior elementary education major and Relay For Life member, said.  “Every time I thought I wouldn’t make it without falling asleep.”

If students do not wish to participate in walking, they have the opportunity to donate money for this cause.

While the participants are on their break from walking, there are activities to participate in. This event is going to be a Hollywood theme. There will be food, fun, tug-of-war, bingo at 8 p.m., a ceremony at 9 p.m., zumba, a band and a t-shirt contest.

“Through this event we take the time to celebrate those who fight it and for those who lost their lives. It’s a night of events and activities to raise money for a great cause,” Beth Gillespie, Relay For Life co-chair, junior math major and secondary education major, said.

“Cancer effects everyone and every student can take part of this great cause. It’s not a sports team where you have to try out to be a part of. This event is very unique,” Gillespie said.

Relay For Life at Cabrini College is spreading the word more this year to encourage students to participate.

“I hope this year we can get even more students involved and raise even more money. I hope more people realize how great this event is and how much it can help people,” Stevens said.

“Everyone has a story. It has been crazy trying to plan the event. Our motto is ‘anything for relay.’ Were not raising money for ourselves, it’s all for other people. There are not many things like this at Cabrini. It’s for a really good cause,” Gillespie said. She also noted the emotional impact.

“I love the feeling of when we raise money and have advocacy events. It’s all so worth it. After the event we all cried and we were so excited we met our goal. It’s so rewarding.  We love it,” Gillespie said.

It is recommended to pre-register online to make a team. As of now there are already 21 teams signed up. Just go to www.Relayforlife.org/pacabrini. You also have the option of registering and making your payment the day of. It is $10 per person. You can pay online as well.

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Natalie Crawford

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