Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
Students gathered in the ballroom to register for the annual Relay for Life event, where people raise money and awareness for Cancer by either making a donation, walking, or running the track behind Moore Field House. The event was hosted by Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) and attracted multiple fraternities and sororities. SCSU will participate in the event on April 26. Some students attended the event because of their own personal experiences with cancer, and others joined the cause for support.
Spencer Cooney, senior psychology major, said he has had a lot of family affected by the disease and therefore decided come out and participate for a fourth straight year. “My grandma and grandpa passed away from cancer,” said Cooney. “Cancer is one of those things that affects everyone so anything that you can do to help out, you just do.” Peter Booth, sophomore at SCSU, said he came out to support a friend of his, but has also had family members affected by the disease.
The ballroom was filled with smiles and laughter because everyone that attended not only signed up for Relay For Life, but also got to enjoy free giveaways/raffles, a piñata, painting of stars for the event, and also have their photos taken. Tyler Mills, sophomore psychology major, won a gift basket out of the raffle and also was the one that broke open the piñata. “I put my fist through that piñata for cancer,” said Mills. “I didn’t do it for the candy, I did it because I knew it would help bring everyone closer together. It’s nice to see all of these people come together for a cause as big as this.” Cooney said he also enjoyed the festivities that were at the event because it provided some lightheartedness to such a depressing topic.
Angela Rudas, Relay For Life American Cancer Society specialist, said she encourages all students to register to participate in the event and also form teams with friends so the impact is that much greater. Rudas said last year 57 teams were formed to participate in the Relay and this year she has a goal of 65 teams to join.
“We want to increase our numbers every year,” said Rudas. “This is a huge opportunity for community bonding that students shouldn’t miss out on. Students are joined through their experiences with the disease and build such a strong connection.”
Tayler Keefe, publicity chair of Colleges against Cancer, said she lost her mother to Cancer and loves the symbolism that stands behind such a large group of people coming together. “It’s very cool to see survivors, caretakers, and friends work together to beat this disease,” said Keefe. “Our goal for this year is to have people walking on the track at all times.”
Rudas said her being an SCSU graduate makes organizing this event even more worthwhile. “Pack that track, I know there’s many other causes out there but nothing like Relay,” said Rudas. “We are trying to raise $40,000 for this campus by April 26 and make people aware of their power to fight back. I’m so happy that I get to see all of this happen because it really is a beautiful thing. We want a world with more birthdays and less Cancer.”
