Relay For Life is one step closer

By Junelynn Tran
The Commonwealth Times

RICHMOND, Va. -– In a few weeks, nearly 40 teams at Virginia Commonwealth University will unite to fight one common enemy -– cancer.

VCU will host its fourth annual Relay For Life event. Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The purpose of the relay is to celebrate the lives of people battling cancer, remember lost loved ones, increase cancer awareness in the community and raise money for ACS.

With more than 300 participants, VCU has raised more than $11,250. Its goal is to raise $30,000 at the relay. Relay teams will set up fundraising booths at the VCU Cary Street Track and Field grounds on April 17, 2010. Each team will conduct its own fundraiser in an effort to raise money for cancer. Representatives from each team will walk or run around the field throughout the event.

Currently, the team that has raised the most money is Rehabbin’ Rams. Its members are a part of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club at VCU. They have raised nearly $1,400, surpassing their team goal of $1,000. QuaShauna Smith, the team’s co-captain, said she “constantly reminds people about the relay” and encourages supporters for donations.

“I found out this year that my grandfather died of cancer, so actually, this fundraiser means a lot to me,” Smith said. “I pray that I am helping out someone with all the participants’ efforts of awareness.”

Rehabbin’ Rams has already completed a fundraiser with Tropical Smoothie Cafe and expects to have another fundraiser before the date of the relay. Smith said the team will have snacks and games at their fundraising booth.

One of the top participants, Nikki Johnson, has raised almost $500 for her team, Muevelo. Muevelo is a student dance organization committed to community service and teaching dance workshops. As president of her team, Johnson said she became involved after she heard her friend was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“Because Relay For Life is well known and well promoted, it’s easy to find people who support the cause,” Johnson said. “Everyone should come out. Do something good for the world.”

Muevelo has fundraised with Panera Bread, and recently, hosted a handcuff party to encourage guests to donate for cancer. They raised $280 in one night. Johnson plans to participate in another fundraising event, possibly a penny wars between her team members.

The day of Relay For Life will include an opening ceremony from a cancer survivor family, in addition to several guest speakers. The rest of the day will be dedicated to fundraising and special activities for everyone to participate. At night, there will be a Luminaria ceremony, a candlelight ceremony dedicated to honor those who have died or battled cancer.

Nadine Malpass, the Central Virginia area director for ACS, said the ceremony “is very moving, starting somber to very uplifting.”

Malpass also said she is “thankful to the college movement” because they are the next generation to keep fighting against cancer.

Rachel Prunier, the team recruitment and volunteer chair for Relay For Life, said this year’s event is different because there is more community involvement and more teams.

“Teams make the event. They help it grow and help find a cure,” Prunier said. “Cancer affects, more than just a cancer patient. It affects the caretaker, family and friends.”

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.relayforlife.org/vcu.

Original article