By Elise Fernandez '13
Siena College hosted its 8th annual Relay for Life Relay for life in the Marcelle Athletic Complex earlier this month to help the American Cancer Society continue its fight against cancer. Students created teams online and worked together to raise money and awareness.
“At the event, our motto is to remember, celebrate and fight back,” said Jacquelyn Studdert ’13, Relay for Life chairperson. Studdert added that during the Relay for Life, participants remember loved ones who have passed away, celebrate those who won their battle against cancer and fight against cancer through awareness and fundraising. “The event is pretty incredible and so many people are touched by it each year,” Studdert said.
Students spent all night walking together. Each team had at least one member walking on the track throughout the night to represent that cancer never sleeps and neither does the fight against it.
The night started with an opening ceremony and the “Survivor Lap” where survivors walk to celebrate their victory over cancer. All of the teams then joined in and spent all night walking together. Luminaria were lit to honor loved ones who have passed or those who are still fighting the disease.
“Participating (in) Relay for Life, I am going to be honest, was tiring but worth it,” said Sujehiry Urena ’15. “Of course everyone had their own personal reason for why they relayed, but you could feel a sense of unity.”
This year’s Relay for Life brought in more than $34,300 for the American Cancer Society. “Our goal this year is $38,000,” said Studdert. While they fell a bit short of the goal, the money that Siena College community members raised will help the American Cancer Society invest in groundbreaking research in every type of cancer and provide free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers.
“This is my fourth year organizing and being a part of this event and it is pretty amazing to see how much it has grown in just four years,” Studdert said, adding that Relay for life brings people together to support a great cause.
