Relay for Life 2K8 sparks interest

By Holly Fournier, contributing writer
Posted on October 25, 2007

Turnout was high at the Madison 2K8 Relay for Life kickoff meeting last week, with over 100 interested students filling nearly every seat in the room.

Relay for Life is a nationwide fundraiser for cancer involving over 3.5 million people across the country who support the American Cancer Society’s research for a cure.  Teams of ten to fifteen volunteers unite to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s research.

Madison’s relay chapter is ranked number one in its population bracket of universities.  This year will be Madison’s eighth annual relay. Relay co-chairs, seniors Amit Kakar and Alicia Romano and junior Lauren Seablom, hope this year will put Madison’s total earnings over one million dollars. Since the first relay  in 2001, university participants have raised over $900,000.

The theme of this year’s relay is “Relaywood,” with a mantra of “Lights, Camera, Action” to go hand-in-hand with Relay for Life’s overall theme of “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.” The tentative dates are April 5-6, from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.. Organizers hope to raise at least $200,001, a goal that surpasses last year’s earnings of approximately $160,000.

Experienced Relay for Lifers who attended the kickoff meeting urged others to join the cause.

“My mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last fall,” sophomore Danielle Weaver said.

“Everyone should get involved; it’s not a huge time commitment unless you want it to be, and it’s for a good cause.”

Most, if not all, were in agreement with Weaver.

“I did Relay for Life in high school, ” said sophomore Randi Dillard, who plans on being a team co-captain as well as a member of the Ceremonies committee.  “It was a good experience in the past [and] I liked being really involved.”

Others say it is the sense of unity they gained through their involvement in past relays that motivated them to participate again this year.

Senior Alicia Cagnoli said she was touched by the way relay brings people together.

“It sounds a little crazy, but JMU comes together for one cause; everyone is affected directly or indirectly [by cancer],” she said.

Senior Stephen DePasquale agreed that relay unites the campus, and he offered advice to anyone on the fence as to whether or not they should get involved.

“Do it,” he said.

In past years, fundraising teams have included everything from Grafton Movie Nights to Jail or Bail in their efforts to raise money.  This year, teams are urged to find local sponsors willing to donate not only money but also food, prizes and other items that will be needed the night of the relay.

“We’re going to make this the best relay yet,” Kakar said. 

Relay for Life involvement does not end at fundraising.  Potential participants can get involved as team captains, team members or behind the scenes as a member of one of several committees.

Team Registration takes place online at events.cancer.org/rfljmu, and there is a $10 fee. Any questions can also be directed to the “Tripod” co-chairs at jmurelay@gmail.com.