Seeing family and friends battle cancer can be difficult and many in the Shepherd community are hoping to lend a hand.
Almost all of us know someone affected by cancer. My grandfather was diagnosed with melanoma when I was seven years old, and my best friend’s mother recently went through chemotherapy for breast cancer. Seeing family and friends battle with cancer is difficult, and many are looking for a way to lend help to those dealing with it.
There are numerous charities to donate to and plenty of ways to help out. One of the many ways to raise awareness of cancer is Relay for Life.
The Office of Student Engagement website says that Relay for Life is an event that empowers everyone to help fight cancer by raising awareness and money to support the American Cancer Society.
To date, Shepherd University has raised over $500,000 since 2003. This year, the goal is to raise $68,000 to be donated to the American Cancer Society
One of the co-chairs of this year’s Relay for Life is Jessi Bennington, a junior elementary education major. She said that she is really looking forward to all the fundraising events the committee and other teams have come up with.
“For me, just to see hundreds of people come together and raise money to fight and find a cure for cancer is encouraging and a blessing,” Bennington said. “It shows me that I am not alone and people have my back. I would encourage everyone to come out for the relay event on April 4. I promise you it will change your life.”
This year’s theme for the event is “Finish the Fight.” Rachel Crum, Shepherd’s community service coordinator, said that they are really promoting what people can do in their everyday lives to help the American Cancer Society find a cure.
Relay for Life is coming to Shepherd’s campus on April 4. Rachel Crum also said that this event showcases the mixture of campus and community involvement that is so prominent at the university.
“This event is an ‘all-night party’,” Crum said. “We have entertainment for all participants, we use the indoor pool, we have activities outside, music, games, food and more.”
There are several ways that students can get involved with Relay for Life. If students are interested in joining the committee that plans the event, they can contact Rachel Richardson or Jessi Bennington. Students who want to help out during the day of the event can also sign in at the volunteer table that will be in the wellness center on April 4.
Students can also register for teams or as individuals to raise money that will go to the American Cancer Society. So far, there are 650 registered participants who are helping and 55 teams. More participants and teams are signing up all the time and more are needed to reach the goal of $68,000.
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