The Elizabethtown College Relay for Life event raised $52,009.04 for the American Cancer Society, according to their Relay for Life events page. The event began on Friday, March 28 with a crowd of students and cancer survivors filling Thompson Gymnasium.
This year’s relay theme was “Candy Land,” according to senior Michael Henning, a four-time Relay for Life participant. “It’s always a good feeling, to know that the money is going to help bring awareness to the American Cancer Society and save lives,” Henning said.
The American Cancer Society promotes the Relay for Life event and it takes place all over the world each year. This year, at Etown, the students spent the night supporting cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives fighting. “Individuals that attend the relay are survivors, family members, students, faculty and staff of the school and friends,” Henning said. Donations went to cancer research and local patient service. The event also brought awareness to the American Cancer Society.
The event kicked off at 5 p.m. when cancer survivors were asked to take the first lap around the track in order to honor their fight against cancer. Teams decorated Thompson Gymnasium with a Candy Land theme ranging from colorful posters to paper lanterns.
Students made T-shirts for Relay for Life and formed teams to compete at different events. At this year’s event, individuals participated by “selling baked goods throughout the event, walking laps to support the cause and participate in games,” Henning said. Relay members played hockey, corn hole and can jam. “My favorite part of the night was when we got to play hockey in a 3v3 bracket of all the teams participating at the event and especially all the food that was available to eat,” he said. Other activities included specialized laps, like a three-legged lap. Members also spent time listening to guest speakers and watching videos in between times of competing.
Throughout the event, at least one member of each team was supposed to be in constant motion at all times. This shows dedication and motivation for the team and keeps the members awake throughout the night. “The students and cancer survivors were really enthusiastic this year,” junior Jared Weaver said. “I had a great time participating in the activities, and I’m glad I was able to help raise money for such a good cause.”
The Relay for Life event included opening and closing ceremonies. The event also included the traditional luminaria ceremony, during which relay members, friends and family members honor survivors and cancer victims with paper lanterns.
“After it got dark, candles were lit inside bags that we designed to show our efforts to fight against cancer,” Weaver said. During the luminaria, participants told stories about loved ones they have lost to cancer. “It’s the most touching part of the whole thing,” sophomore Johnny Archangelo said. “Everyone was sharing their emotions and I felt the togetherness of everyone there.”
At the end of the night, all activities and events came to an end before the total was announced. Etown raised $52,009.04 by the end of the event at 5 a.m. on Saturday.
For students who want to participate and help the American Cancer Society raise money and awareness for cancer, it is never too late. Students, friends, family members and people in the community who want to get involved can sign up for Etown’s Relay for Life every year in the BSC from March to April.
For people who are interested in making donations to the American Cancer Society, but cannot participate during the Relay for Life events, visit www.relayforlife.org where you can make donations directly from the website and find other events to participate in.
