People across the United States have been actively fighting to find a cure for cancer for the past three decades. Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is an organization that has been helping students everywhere in this fight, and the Gustavus campus is no exception.

Fortunately, Gusties are fighting for a brighter future. This Sunday night, Feb. 20, marks the beginning of “Paint it Purple” week, hosted by Colleges Against Cancer. The focus of this week is to raise awareness for the annual Gustavus chapter of Relay for Life.

Various activities are planned for the week, including some very attention grabbing public exhibits. Keep your eyes peeled for purple snowmen and Relay-attired statues. The primary goal of Paint it Purple week, however, is to get students involved in Relay for Life. “We are excited to have this opportunity to get Relay teams involved in the event well before the scheduled night,” Colleges Against Cancer Co-president and Senior Geography Major Samantha Rother said.

“CAC board members will be tabling in front of the [Market Place] all week; be ready to sign up your Relay team and take ‘Why I Relay …’ pictures.”

The true kick off, however, is Thursday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room. Here, prospective relayers can sign up a team and get more information. There will also be live music and cake to commemorate the American Cancer Society’s “celebrating more birthdays” theme.

Every spring at Gustavus, Lund Center becomes home to a nationwide fund – and awareness raising event called Relay for Life, scheduled for April 30, 2011. Gustavus has been a major contributor to the battle against cancer.

“Gustavus has been very fortunate to find such enthusiastic participants in Relay,” Colleges Against Cancer Growth Committee Co-chair and Junior Psychology Major Danika Anastasi said. “Between 2008 and 2010 alone, Gusties raised upwards of $128,000 for the fight against cancer.”

Relay for Life is an event hosted in communities all across the U.S. sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The basic idea is, as the name might suggest, a relay. Teams of 10-15 people gather to honor loved ones who have lost the fight against cancer, are currently struggling with the disease or have survived the battle. The relay lasts 12 hours, and begins at 7:00 p.m. with at least one team member walking on the track at all times. This all-nighter will provide refreshments and activities to keep participants awake and energized. The night symbolizes the stages which a cancer patient goes through. From the despair of discovering the disease (sunset), to the actual struggle (3:00 – 4:00 a.m.) to the hope (sunrise) of actually beating such a ruthless opponent. Relay participants are asked to conceptualize the process which cancer patients must live through.

Far from eliciting feelings of sympathy from participants, however, Relay for Life is a night of celebration. This event is intended to remember those who have succumbed to this disease, honor them and vow to never let cancer claim another life. The American Cancer Society’s mantra is, “The official sponsor of birthdays.” Relay for Life raises money, not only to fund cancer research, but also to provide support centers for those in the midst of a battle with cancer, both patients and family members. ACS provides comprehensive, around-the-clock resources for those who feel overwhelmed by the struggle. Relay for Life is an opportunity to show support for those valiantly fighting against cancer.

For many, cancer is not an obscure disease which might strike in some vague, forthcoming “old age.” For some, cancer is a reality to be dealt with in the here and now. Many Gusties, while still in the full flower of their youth, have dealt with the negative effects of cancer in some way, shape or form. The American Cancer Society estimates between 550,000 and 600,000 cancer deaths ocur every year in the United States alone. It is difficult to imagine not being affected by this disease.

Amid all of the pain and suffering cancer can cause, hope does exist. Many hope for a cure, and the American Cancer Society is working to make that hope into a reality.  ACS describes itself as, “helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and fighting back.” While these seem like grand and lofty goals, there is a difference which can be made here in the Gustavus community.

So get in touch with some friends this week. Form a team. Even if cancer has not personally touched your life, when you begin to ask people you know about participating, you will be surprised by the response. Relay for Life is an opportunity for our community to band together to honor those affected by cancer, and watching cancer survivors walk the first lap is more than enough evidence that we, too, must strive to “sponsor more birthdays.”