The sixth annual Gustavus, Relay for Life, scheduled for this Friday night in Lund Center, hopes to build on the success of previous year’s Relays. “Our ‘Relay’ was fourth in the nation last year for schools of its size,” said Senior Psychology Major and Relay Co-Chair Holly Andersen.

Eight years ago, during her first year in high school, one of everyone’s worst fears became a reality for Senior Health Fitness and Health Education Major Catherine Osterhaus and her family.

Catherine’s father Luke went in for a doctor’s appointment and discovered he had stage four colon cancer. “The cancer had already spread to his liver, and he died after four months of courageous fighting,” said Osterhaus.

Ever since her father lost his battle with cancer, Osterhaus has been an active participant in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events. “I really wanted to do ‘Relay’ to honor him and others who battle with cancer,” said Osterhaus, who is a co-chair for this year’s Relay for Life at Gustavus.

Raising over $54,000 toward cancer research last year, organizers hope to raise $56,000 this time around. With many activities scheduled, they hope to attract people from both on and off campus to attend. “The more the merrier; just by being there you are supporting the cause,” said Andersen.
Scheduled activities include performances by numerous student bands, the LineUs Improv Comedy Troupe, the Gustavus Choir, the Dance Team and the Gustavus Dance Company.

Additionally, a variety of food will be available to all who attend. The Chemistry Club is making liquid nitrogen ice cream, the Spanish Honor Society is making quesadillas and everyone has the opportunity to participate in frost-your-own and Buffalo Wild Wing eating contests throughout the night.
“It is really a fun time, and it is one of the only times when a huge part of the campus gets together at one place to support a great cause,” said Sophomore Communication Studies Major and Relay team member Phil Helt.

The structure of the night is meant to symbolize a cancer patient’s experience with cancer. “It starts off challenging and dark, and that symbolizes the night is beginning and there is a long road ahead. Then through the night people get tired from walking and can get cranky and hungry, and it is just a symbol of how hard it can be to go through treatment. But as the morning comes you start to see the light and you feel excited and that you can make it, and although not every cancer patient survives, this night honors everyone who has battled with cancer,” said Osterhaus.

Each Relay for Life is highlighted by a survivor’s lap and a keynote address by a cancer survivor. This year’s speaker is Associate Professor of Music Greg Aune, who left Gustavus temporarily last year to fight his battle with cancer.

Whether you are a member of one of the nearly 40 teams registered or just someone interested in coming, as Phil Helt said, “So many people are affected by cancer, whether it is a family member, friend or a loved one … everyone understands the importance of trying to find an end to cancer, so come see what this night is all about.”