Staff Writer- Sam Paulsen
At 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10th, the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held in Lund Green. This year’s events include a message from Chaplain Ben Hilding, tabling from a variety of student organizations, a Chuck Norris contest, and the Luminaria Ceremony at 9:00 p.m.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer and their families. Its mission is to fight cancer through a comprehensive approach of research, advocacy, and patient support to ensure everyone has the opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive the disease. The Gustavus American Cancer Society is one of the over 600 college campus chapters nationwide driven by this mission.
“The way that our chapter is set we have done a good job at including members and making them feel like they are just as important as the executive board,” ACS Fundraising Chair and Senior Kate Rooker said.
Through Relay for Life, the Gustavus chapter of ACS not only aims to make members in their organization feel included but also to empower others to continue the fight against cancer.
“As a chapter, our goal is to create an event that is both meaningful and empowering, where people feel connected, supported, and reminded that they are not alone in this fight,” ASC Co-President and Junior Jade Anstine said.
Connection and community are emphasized greatly by the Gustavus chapter of ACS. “You see students, faculty, and staff all showing up for the same cause, and it creates a stronger sense of community while also spreading awareness about something that impacts so many lives,” Co-President and Senior Lupe Olague said.
The event isn’t just about creating a connection between students; it is also primarily a fundraising and awareness event with the aim of helping support individuals fighting cancer.
This message of support is something that resonates deeply with Sophomore Will Van Elswyk who himself is a cancer survivor. “I think especially in my case, supporting the parents is the most important thing, even more than what the doctors tell you or like a Make a Wish,” Van Elswyk said.
Van Elswyk, who was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was just 4 years old and was in chemotherapy until he was 7 years old, understands firsthand what having a community is like during a battle with cancer.
“I think that sort of support helps both the parents and the kid feel that life isn’t bad and this could be fun,” Van Elswyk said.
Through fundraising ACS hopes to continue to fund advancements in cancer research which will have the potential to lead to a cure. Relay for Life is the culmination of the many fundraising events held by the Gustavus chapter throughout the year.
“For me, Relay for Life not only raises funds to support the important work through American Cancer Society, but also communicates to individuals and families affected by cancer that they are not alone,” Relay for Life speaker and cancer survivor Chaplain Ben Hilding said.
Hilding dealt with his own cancer battle earlier this year in which he was diagnosed with a stage 3 Thymoma, which was largely localized in his chest. For many patients, cancer research and fundraising is a critical need. “Our technologies continue to advance, if we can continue to invest in research and trust respected health professionals,” Hilding said.
The Relay will conclude with the luminaria ceremony in which participants will have an opportunity to light a candle to remember or honor those affected by cancer. “I think the ceremony is the most beautiful part of the Relay. It is heavy but it is beautiful because you’re uplifting people,” Rooker said.
Rooker summarized the purpose of the event simply by stating, “Well, we hate cancer.” A message that seems to ring true for many individuals in the Gustavus community, as reflected by the event’s high turnout year over year.
This year alone cancer has the lives of over 600,000 people in the United States alone and this number only continues to grow. “Listen to your doctors, be grateful for every day, and love your people,” Hilding said.
Students who attend will also get a chance to participate in a variety of activities such as letter-writing, walking laps, and more as well as watching the highly anticipated Chuck Norris contest.