Concord Relay For Life Gears Up

With enough help, Concord University can help the American Cancer Society take a huge step towards a cancer-free world. 
Photo courtesy of main.acsevents.org

Cancer is a disease that directly and indirectly affects millions of Americans every year. Fortunately, there are many organizations that are trying to help, either by raising funds for research or by helping its victims cope in other ways. One such organization is the American Cancer Society and their largest and most well-known fundraising effort, Relay for Life. A group of students at Concord University are trying to start such an event here on campus. 

“The American Cancer Society is the second largest contributor to cancer research, second to the government,” said Brittany Strother, Director of the Concord University Relay for Life. She explained that the event is important not only for fundraising, but for showing support to those affected by cancer. “Relay for Life is the biggest asset for fundraising that ACS has, but it's about more than just raising funds. It's about honoring those fighting cancer and remembering those who lost their fight,” she said.

Concord University used to have Relay for Life events regularly, according to Strother. However, the zeal for the Relay fell off and there has not been one on campus for at least six years. “We want to bring it back not only because it's a great fundraiser and an amazing cause, but because the events themselves are a lot of fun and a great way to get people involved on campus,” she said.

With winter coming on soon, the group decided not to try and schedule the even right away. “Right now, we're shooting for April 2016. A lot of different factors will impact the exact date of the event, but it will definitely be late in the spring semester so we can guarantee it will be warm enough for everyone to participate,” explained Strother. 

All the money earned from Relay for Life and the fundraising that will be done before the actual event will be donated straight to ACS, “where they'll be put to good use funding cancer research, providing fuel compensation for those that have to travel for cancer treatments, offering wigs to patients who have lost their hair, and lots of other awesome services offered by the American Cancer Society,” explained Strother.

The Relay for Life event is free for anyone that wishes to enter and participate. However, Strother said that there options for those that wish to help organize the event or gather donations long before the actual event itself takes place. “Those who wish to be involved more intimately before the actual event in the Spring can create or join a Relay for Life team, which is basically a fundraising group that will be in friendly competition with other teams. The cost for starting or joining a team is $10, which automatically counts towards fundraising goals. Anyone can start a team, but there are already several teams on campus that would love to have more members!”

The group’s ultimate goal from now until Relay for Life is to raise at least $15,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society. “We want our efforts to help the world take a step towards a cancer-free world. We aim for a world where cancer isn't this hulking, indomitable monster that snuffs out lives prematurely and indiscriminately,” Strother said.

Relay for Life is an important charity and a worthy cause to be involved in because of the disease’s prevalence in today’s world. “Cancer is something that will, unfortunately, impact the lives of nearly every person at some point, whether it be a loved one or a personal diagnosis. Cancer is an indiscriminate killer, and to defeat such a daunting adversary, we need all the help we can get, whether it be through donations, volunteering to help coordinate the event, or even just spreading the word to let others know our mission. Everyone can help in some capacity. It's not about the money. Money is a big help, but it's not the dominating factor. Relay is about love, hope, and dedication, and those are traits that everyone has to offer,” Strother explained, urging everyone to consider getting involved with Relay for Life.

Anyone that wishes to get involved may contact Brittany Strother via email at: strotherb31@mycu.concord.edu. Anyone wishing to join or create a Relay for Life fundraising team can do so at relayforlife.org/cuwv.