Head start: Relay prep takes off early this year

Organizers of the second annual Relay for Life are urging students to get an early start on participation for the April 2002 event.
The second annual Relay for Life charity benefit will kickoff at Bridgeforth Stadium April 13.

According to the American Cancer Association Web site, the event aims to raise money for those who suffer from cancer and to commemorate the lives of those lost to the disease.

The organizers have gotten an early start this year to ensure the event's success. Senior Kristin White, co-chair organizer, said, "With the holidays coming up, it is easier for people to raise money by contacting family and friends."

She said that the extra time should allow for more creative fund raising such as car washes and letter writing. According to junior Betsy Wachendorf, another co-chair organizer, organizers hope to raise $200,000 this year and draw 2,000 participants.

Wachendorf said the theme "Double It" carries the goal to double participants and money raised.

In order to participate, students must form an eight- to 12-person team, designate a team captain and work together to raise money prior to April 13, White said. She said there is no deadline for a team's submission, but the earlier a team commits, the more time they have to raise funds.
Each team also must raise a minimum of $1,000, but are urged to raise more, according to White.

The event begins the night of April 13 with an opening ceremony. The goal is to have someone from each team walking the track for 12 hours, White said.
Relay races and massage services will be provided for participants during the event, and bands will play as entertainment. According to White, teams are encouraged to plan activities throughout the night in the spirit of the event. In addition, participants can take part in a luminary ceremony by purchasing bags lit with candles, recognizing those who are suffering and have died from the disease, White said.

Involvement in Relay for Life has proven to be memorable for all those who participate.

Senior Holly Griffin said she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease at the age of 18. She will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

"It's part of my healing process to speak out about the disease," Griffin said. "Relay for Life is important because everyone has or will be touched by cancer in their lives, and it's important to take a stand before more and more people die."

White, a long time friend of Griffin, became involved after losing her mother to breast cancer. "Cancer doesn't discriminate, and so many people are affected," White said.

Wachendorf said she began participating last year as a result of family and friends being diagnosed with cancer. "It's hard to find a person who hasn't been affected [by cancer]. It is important to be aware or it will happen to us too," she said.

The money raised from Relay for Life benefits cancer patients physically and emotionally.

The money will be used for cancer research, scholarships given to cancer survivors or will go toward informational handouts and supplies, White said.
Money raised is also used to sponsor programs such as "Look Good, Feel Better" that aids in the purchase of wigs in order to build self-esteem, White said.

Students interested in participating may attend an informational meeting Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. in ISAT room 1302, e-mail Wachendorf at wachenet or White at whitekm or call Wendy Osinkosky, local representative of the American Cancer Society at 434-3360.