by Lexi Oatman
Relay for Life drew huge crowds as women, men, and children all gathered to walk for their loved ones.
The event, which lasted from Saturday, March 21 till Sunday, March 22, was led by Colleges Against Cancer, a nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff dedicated to eliminating cancer.
Emma Stevens, the president of Capital’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter, was pleased by everyone’s response to the event.
“For me, [Relay for Life is] a combination of all [of] my organizations hard work, the community, and Capital,” Stevens said. “It’s so exciting for me to see the turnout and that it’s a big success.”
When asked what Relay for Life stands for, many of the participants’ replies were “hope.”
According to worldcancerday.org, currently eight million people die every year worldwide from cancer. Relay for Life began May 1985, when Dr. Gordon Klatt held a 24-hour run to raise money against cancer. Dr. Klatt spent the hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound’s Baker Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. With the support of family, friends, and patients, Dr. Klatt traveled more than 83 miles and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Now, nationwide, Relay for Life has raised $5 billion in fundraising.
Relay for Life involves an organized, overnight community fundraising walk. Teams of people camp out around a track, while members of each team take turns walking around the track. Food, games, and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie. The environment is family-friendly and meant for the entire community to enjoy.
According to the American Cancer Society, the event at Capital, including 28 teams and 424 participants, raised over $27,000 in an 18-hour span. To get involved for the next event, log onto relayforlife.org to donate and/or volunteer.
loatman@capital.edu
