By Joe Willeford
On Friday, hundreds of people came together at the University of Georgia to unite as a community in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life, created by the American Cancer Society, is an annual event to raise money for cancer research, spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, and remember those who lost their lives to cancer.
This year, it took place at the UGA Track on Lumpkin Street. People of all ages, sexes and races came together in a display of solidarity.
“The power of community is truly amazing, and it is absolutely on display here tonight,” said Christine Santayana, a sophomore from Virginia.
This year’s Relay for Life was the biggest ever since its creation in 1999 - but this could not have been possible without the help of many individuals and groups throughout Athens.
Lo Asidro, a senior from LaGrange, Ga. is a member of the “spirit committee.” For an event like Relay that lasts all night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., it is a hard job keeping people motivated and spirits high. “Our aim is to make sure that everyone stays awake, stays excited,” said Asidro.
Groups such as Asidro’s spirit committee have been meeting for months to prepare for the overnight event. Fraternities, sororities, clubs, businesses, and other organizations throughout Athens donate money, assist with organizing the event and encourage others to join in their efforts.
There is definitely no lack of enthusiasm for Relay for Life at UGA.
Kevin Madsen, a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis, is a member of the American Cancer Society’s collegiate scout team. He visits and observes Relays across the nation to see what works especially well and what needs improvement. In his opinion, the Relay at UGA is one of the best in the nation.
“It amazes me the energy this campus has for Relay. Just being here, it’s really empowering.”
High levels of emotion were present everywhere Friday. Surrounding the track were candles, each representing a loved one who had lost the fight with cancer.
“The [candle] ceremony was a very powerful thing, to see all these people come together and honor those who have fought – and lost to – cancer,” reflected Madsen. The sheer number of candles surrounding the track at UGA was a small testament to the devastation cancer causes.
As Asidro said, “It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t know someone that has been affected by cancer.”
Having the support of family and friends is crucial to one’s fight against cancer, a point that was made throughout the night. Kaylea Notarthomas, a junior from Atlanta, spoke about her experience with thyroid cancer. “All the support I had on the journey far outweighed the negatives,” she said. “I couldn’t have done any of it without my support system.”
Melissa Baxter, a sophomore from Tipton, Ga., is also a cancer survivor. “Relay is a very special night for me and my family,” said Baxter. Her favorite part of the night is the survivor lap, when survivors of cancer walk a lap around the track, surrounded by cheering supporters.
On Friday, hundreds of people came together at the University of Georgia to unite as a community in the fight against cancer. Relay for Life, created by the American Cancer Society, is an annual event to raise money for cancer research, spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, and remember those who lost their lives to cancer.
This year, it took place at the UGA Track on Lumpkin Street. People of all ages, sexes and races came together in a display of solidarity.
“The power of community is truly amazing, and it is absolutely on display here tonight,” said Christine Santayana, a sophomore from Virginia.
This year’s Relay for Life was the biggest ever since its creation in 1999 - but this could not have been possible without the help of many individuals and groups throughout Athens.
Lo Asidro, a senior from LaGrange, Ga. is a member of the “spirit committee.” For an event like Relay that lasts all night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., it is a hard job keeping people motivated and spirits high. “Our aim is to make sure that everyone stays awake, stays excited,” said Asidro.
Groups such as Asidro’s spirit committee have been meeting for months to prepare for the overnight event. Fraternities, sororities, clubs, businesses, and other organizations throughout Athens donate money, assist with organizing the event and encourage others to join in their efforts.
There is definitely no lack of enthusiasm for Relay for Life at UGA.
Kevin Madsen, a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis, is a member of the American Cancer Society’s collegiate scout team. He visits and observes Relays across the nation to see what works especially well and what needs improvement. In his opinion, the Relay at UGA is one of the best in the nation.
“It amazes me the energy this campus has for Relay. Just being here, it’s really empowering.”
High levels of emotion were present everywhere Friday. Surrounding the track were candles, each representing a loved one who had lost the fight with cancer.
“The [candle] ceremony was a very powerful thing, to see all these people come together and honor those who have fought – and lost to – cancer,” reflected Madsen. The sheer number of candles surrounding the track at UGA was a small testament to the devastation cancer causes.
As Asidro said, “It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t know someone that has been affected by cancer.”
Having the support of family and friends is crucial to one’s fight against cancer, a point that was made throughout the night. Kaylea Notarthomas, a junior from Atlanta, spoke about her experience with thyroid cancer. “All the support I had on the journey far outweighed the negatives,” she said. “I couldn’t have done any of it without my support system.”
Melissa Baxter, a sophomore from Tipton, Ga., is also a cancer survivor. “Relay is a very special night for me and my family,” said Baxter. Her favorite part of the night is the survivor lap, when survivors of cancer walk a lap around the track, surrounded by cheering supporters.
“The survivor lap is a time when all the people who supported you for so long can come out and show you just how much your battle means to them.”
Libby Cordell, team leader for the sorority Alpha Delta Pi, saw the effects of cancer first-hand when one of her best friends, Caelyn Brady, was diagnosed with cancer their junior year of high school. “It opened my eyes,” said Cordell. “Caelyn doesn’t talk or complain much, but when she told me what she was going through, I felt like I needed to do something.”
In college, Cordell was immediately drawn to Relay for Life. At first, she didn’t know what to expect from the event, but quickly found out. “Once I was there, I loved it,” said Cordell. “It was such a great experience for me that it just made me want to do anything I could to make it better next year.”
With continued effort and participation, the sky is the limit for Relay for Life. This year’s event featured the most participants in its history – and also raised the most money with a little over $306,000. For more information on Relay for Life at UGA go to ugarelay.org
Libby Cordell, team leader for the sorority Alpha Delta Pi, saw the effects of cancer first-hand when one of her best friends, Caelyn Brady, was diagnosed with cancer their junior year of high school. “It opened my eyes,” said Cordell. “Caelyn doesn’t talk or complain much, but when she told me what she was going through, I felt like I needed to do something.”
In college, Cordell was immediately drawn to Relay for Life. At first, she didn’t know what to expect from the event, but quickly found out. “Once I was there, I loved it,” said Cordell. “It was such a great experience for me that it just made me want to do anything I could to make it better next year.”
With continued effort and participation, the sky is the limit for Relay for Life. This year’s event featured the most participants in its history – and also raised the most money with a little over $306,000. For more information on Relay for Life at UGA go to ugarelay.org
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