Gusties join communities around the world as they plan to gather on Saturday April 17 for the annual Relay for Life event. Over five hundred students will fill the Lund Arena to support the fight against cancer. From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Gusties will forgo sleep as they come together to celebrate the numerous lives impacted by cancer.
“Relay For Life unifies the campus: not only is Colleges Against Cancer involved but everyone from Greek life, LineUs, Choir, Nursing Department and other student orgs are involved each year,” Colleges Against Cancer Co-President Rachel Scharf said.
Relay For Life holds a special meaning for many participants. Cancer is a devastating disease that not only impacts those with the disease, but also their family and friends. Relay For Life Publicity Chair, Kate Belschner, relays for her family members.
“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a senior in high school and my aunt also died of colon cancer,” Belschner said.
Colleges Against Cancer Co-President, Heidi Ide, has been involved with Relay For Life for more than nine years. Ever since her grandfather died of cancer, she has been donating her time and fundraising on the behalf of her family members affected by cancer.
“I am going to school for nursing with a focus on pediatric oncology. I want to be a part of finding the cure and know that cancer won’t be able to tear apart families and relationships,” Ide said. “It’s said that a cure for cancer will be found during our generation and I want to be a part of that.”
The American Cancer Society sponsors Relay For Life annually. The event is purposely conducted overnight to symbolize the stages of cancer diagnosis. The darkness at night represents the fight through the darkness, while the arrival of the sunrise celebrate a new day.
“We hold three ceremonies. We have an Honor Ceremony in which we honor survivors and share stories, the Remember Ceremony where we decorate luminary bags in memory of those who have died, and the Fight Back Ceremony in the morning where we reflect and encourage others to fight back,” Ide said.
It is tradition for student organizations to host events for participants. Relay For Life and Habitat for Humanity Executive Board member Ben Michalicek is a team captain this year.
“Habitat is hosting a mini relay for attendees which we give out tasks and team building activities,” Michalicek said.
Relay For Life extends beyond Gustavus campus and encompasses the St. Peter community.
“Businesses in St. Peter were very eager to be involved and help out,” Belschner said.
In particular, Patricks is the sponsor of the Chuck Norris challenge. Participants in this challenge will be attempting to eat a two-pound burger.
In addition, the relay will feature keynote speeches from members of the St. Peter community including Professor Elizabeth Jenner and Barb Wilkinson, wife of the late beloved coach, Steve Wilkerson.
The Gustavus chapter for Relay For Life surpassed their goal of raising $40,000 last year, and hopes to raise a goal of $50,000 this year.
“I would encourage all Gusties to attend Relay For Life. It’s a great cause and a ton of fun,” Sophomore Communication Studies and Sociology and Anthropology Major Rachel Hain said.
In order to partake in this fun and help meet the goal of $50,000, sign up for Relay For Life online at www.relayforlife.org/gustavusadolphus. You can sign up until the day of the event, April 17, 2014 at 6 p.m.. For more information please contact Co-Presidents Heidi Ide or Rachel Scharf.
-Nusla Mohamed