At Relay for Life, action swirls all around you. In the center of the athletic track there is a stage where bands, dance teams, and singing groups perform all night long. A little way off from the stage there are hundreds of luminary bags lit up, each symbolizing someone lost to cancer. On the track, people walk alone or with friends to fight cancer -- a few will even walk continuously for 12 hours.
Now in its 25th year, the Relay for Life raises money for the American Cancer Society in over 5,000 communities worldwide -- including Ithaca College -- to fund cancer research, educational initiatives, and treatment methods. It lasts all night long in the way that cancer never sleeps.
See IC students, including Fuse videographer Kyle Kelley, talk about Relay for Life.
I have participated in Relay for Life since high school, and I can’t imagine my time at IC without it. This year I became a co-chair for the programs committee of Colleges Against Cancer, the student organization that plans Relay, as well as several other events throughout the year.
“CAC is more than just an organization -- it’s a support group, it’s a family. It’s for students who are interested in and passionate about ending a deadly, deadly disease,” says Dan Wald ’09, CAC co-chair.
Relay for Life begins with the opening ceremony, which is a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers. “I like the survivors’ lap best. It’s a powerful thing for people to all be joined together fighting back as one,” says Dave Seidorf ’10, chair of CAC’s survivorship committee.
Throughout the night, there are dozens of fun activities, like tie-dyeing, a poker tournament, and several contests. The most emotional point of the night is the Luminaria Ceremony -- a lap run with the lights dimmed, during which everyone can reminisce about those lost to cancer and talk about why the Relay for Life is so important. This year, as I walked the track during the ceremony, tears streamed down the faces of some of my closest friends. As I began to cry, a friend pulled me in to comfort me, bringing us all even closer together.
“I lost my mom when I was 14 to malignant melanoma. It’s a very touching time to remember her and walk with others and grieve as one, which is a very powerful thing,” Wald says.
At the end of the night, the Fight Back ceremony brings Relay to a close, urging everyone to continue the fight against cancer all year long. “I feel like if we all put forth the effort, we can eventually find a cure, and we’re not going to have to worry about cancer in the future,” Seidorf says.
Being involved in the planning of Relay is a rewarding experience in its own right. As a member of the CAC executive board, I see how everything comes together and contributes to making Relay the amazing event it is. Everything from the layout and decorations to the advertising and food must be carefully planned in advance, requiring many hours of teamwork.
The first order of business is deciding on a theme for the event. This year’s theme was the ’80s, which meant plenty of leggings, wild hairstyles, and bright colors. Once that’s set, we design each activity and draft a budget for the entire event. Simultaneously, performances are scheduled, clubs are contacted, and students are encouraged to register for the event and begin fundraising.
Colleges Against Cancer doesn’t stop at Relay for Life. Throughout the year, we plan many other events to raise awareness, get people involved and, most importantly, have fun. This year, we held a semi-formal dance, an ice cream social, and staged our own live version of the “Truth” ads seen on television.
“CAC is the biggest student organization on campus, so it’s one of the best ways to make friends and meet people,” says Stephanie Farber ’10, CAC’s chair of programs. “You’ll find so many people who are in it for the same reasons. Everyone is there because they want to help people.”
At Relay for Life, all of the work and planning come together to create one incredible night. Planning the event can be stressful at times, but when I arrive at Relay and see the smiles on everyone’s faces, the stress is worth it.
“Relay is a 12-hour, fun-filled event going toward a good cause,” says Farber. “It’s probably the best night you’ll ever have in college.”
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Fuse is a student produced publication about the Ithaca College experience. All content in the print and web versions of Fuse is developed by current Ithaca College students in a breadth of different areas of study.
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