Relay for Life has been around for 33 years. It was first founded in May 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt wanted to raise society’s awareness of cancer. He felt as though cancer was a disease that people did not know much about, so by putting on this event he was thus bringing it to the forefront of everyone’s consciousness. He also wanted to raise money for cancer research and for his own charity dedicated to cancer.
This year the Rotaract Club, headed by Katie Buck ’20 and Andrew Nicolais ’20, is putting on St. Lawrence University’s Relay for Life. This event has grown from one doctor’s wish to raise money for his charity to being a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Relay will take place for 12 hours on November 2 from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. It will be hosted at the indoor track arena in the Field House. Relay will be tabling in the Student Center every Monday/ Wednesday/Friday from 10:30-12:30. They will be selling t-shirts, stickers, and luminaria to help raise money for this cause. They also accept donations. People can sign up in teams to participate. The goal of this fundraiser is to always have at least one person from each team walking around the track.
The sacrifice of time and energy for a higher purpose is meant to bring people together through common experiences. Katie Buck, class of ’20 and one of the leaders of this fundraiser tells what exactly Relay means to her: “To me Relay for Life is about family. For years, I watched my sister Anne work tirelessly to put on this event and I saw just how much it meant to her. When I became involved in Relay I finally understood why she loved it so much. Relay is about much more than just who you are related to, it’s about all of the people who matter in your life.
I have been blessed by the fact that cancer has not affected my directly, but I see its effects in people close to me. I have sister’s in Chi Omega who have loved ones battling against this disease right now. With Relay for Life we are able to get lots of people together, people from all walks of life, and rally behind one common cause; we all want a cure to cancer. It’s therapeutic to know that other people have gone through similar struggles. It creates a community.”
This year, Katie and Andrew have made it a point to reach out to a wider range of groups such as the BSU, Men in Color, La Socíedad Hispana/ La Casa, Spectrum, and I- House. They want everyone to feel comfortable to show up and participate.
Undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the Relay for Life is the luminaria. It is an emotional ceremony celebrating the battles that people have fought against cancer. It remembers those who lost their life as well as rejoices around those who won against this terrible disease.
At St. Lawrence, each luminaria consists of a paper bag with either a glow stick or a candle inside of it. The ceremony begins when the bags are illuminated in the form of the word “HOPE” on the bleachers overlooking the track. One by one, survivors and family members walk the luminaria around a lap of the track and, after the final person goes, the entire populous joins in for one last walk around in remembrance for those who are no longer with us.
Be a part of Relay for Life, join survivors and remember fighters as we raise money to find a cure to this heartbreaking disease.