close

Relay for Life: Campus takes on cancer

By Kara Bemer advertising Director 5 min read
article image -

Despite the dreaded rain and strong winds, the Mini Relay for Life, held on campus Sunday, April 19, was a great success. 

Waynesburg University’s Mini Relay for Life holds a special value to many students and faculty on campus as a chance to gather together to help support a strong cause: the fight against cancer. 

Student organizations and clubs fundraise together to donate proceeds to the American Cancer Society. 

Before the day of the event, online fundraising was made available through the American Cancer Society website as well as on the day of the fundraiser.

Clubs and organizations set up tables throughout Johnson Commons with different treats, games and goodies to help raise more money to donate.  

Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of Student Services, serves as the liaison between Waynesburg University and Colleges Against Cancer, where her duties include organizing logistics and preparation for the day of the event. 

Before the day of the event, there were many meetings and behind the scenes tasks. 

Hardie has always been involved in planning Waynesburg University’s Mini Relay for Life as the American Cancer Society holds an important meaning in her life.  

”When Chris [Hardie] and I were going through the church for preparation for our marriage we wanted to dedicate our marriage to a charity,” said Hardie. “We chose the American Cancer Society not only because cancer has affected our family, but both of us had young friends in their early 20s who lost the battle to cancer. Now that we have Madison, our daughter, there is even a bigger reason to fight against cancer and one day ultimately win the battle.”

Aside from Hardie, Theresa Butler, senior accounting major, serves as the president of Colleges Against Cancer and the chair of Relay for Life. 

Butler was in charge of planning the events for Relay as well as keeping the organizations and clubs on a schedule with their fundraisers and responsibilities. 

Butler not only worked to finish her degree this year, but also took on responsibility of planning the Mini Relay for Life, which was a stressful but rewarding opportunity. 

”I didn’t think it would affect me as much as it did,” said Butler. “But during my final Survivorship Hour I bawled. The stress and anxiety throughout the year is worth every bit of every emotion I felt on Sunday. Seeing the joy in the eyes of children and hearing the stories of survivors. It gives me a hope for tomorrow and future Relays to come.” 

Butler plans to stay involved with the American Cancer Society post graduation and would like to be involved in a team at her future workplace, but for now Butler is considering staying close to Greene County with her volunteer work. 

”Greene County is actually looking for an event leader for the 2016 Relay,” said Butler. “Despite moving to Pittsburgh post graduation I am considering it.” 

Hardie and Butler were nervous about the rain on the day of the event, but many of the clubs and organizations remained in attendance through the unfortunate weather conditions, not hindering student’s passion and dedication to fighting against cancer. 

Many of the relay activities were moved inside to the Goodwin Performing Arts Center.

”I think the rain was a blessing because the Survivorship Hour was moved to the GPAC and it was a much more intimate setting and allowed all of us to really hear the survivors stories,” said Hardie. “There was no typical noise that usually surrounds the commons; it was only the survivors and the students. We all really appreciated this moment.”

Hardie and Butler especially thank all of the teams, participants and officers who served to make this year’s Relay such a success. 

The Mini Relay for Life is just $2,000 short of reaching their targeted goal for this year’s event; there is still time to donate online or to turn in your donation to Kelley Hardie. The tentative date for next year’s Mini Relay for Life is April 17, 2016.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $4.79/week.

Subscribe Today