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Relay for Life takes a lap

Relay for Life is one of the most anticipated annual events across the nation and across campus. Students throughout the University are collaborating to support the American Cancer Society (ACS) and have put together over 58 teams for the SHU Relay for Life that will take place on campus April 17-18.   The annual event at Seton Hall is hosted by the Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) club. “I love the motto of Relay for Life, ‘Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back,’” said Kathleen Amora, senior education major, president of CAC, the fundraising committee chair and luminaria committee co-chair for Relay for Life. “It embodies the event. At Relay for Life, we celebrate survivors. They are living proof that there is hope for anyone battling the disease. Next, we remember those we have lost to cancer and they remind us to continue fighting back.” Relay for Life is an overnight fundraising event that lasts 12 hours, showing that cancer never sleeps. The event is jam-packed with entertainment in between the more serious events, like the luminaria ceremony where the lights go off, the luminaria bags around the track are lit up to remind us of those lives that have been lost to cancer. Eboni Retemiah, a senior nursing major, is the chair of Relay for Life and was in charge of planning and organizing the entire night. “Relay for Life is an amazing event and even if you only can come for a few hours it’s an experience that will stay with you,” said Retemiah. “It’s amazing to celebrate those who have won and lost their battle to cancer and it really feels like one big community on the night of Relay.” One of the main reasons this event is so popular is because everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, said Amora. “I lost several of my relatives to cancer, so I participated each year with my friends from high school,” said Carolyn Galbo, a sophomore occupational therapy major and the Relay for Life co-chair. “The memories I made each year with my friends while we worked together to fundraise for Relay made me determined to stick with it in college.” Natalie Margolin is SHU’s Relay for Life ACS staff partner. As the staff partner, Margolin is responsible for coaching, supporting and encouraging the volunteers from each of the committees. “Almost all of us have been touched by cancer in some way,” said Margolin. “I hear stories every day of people who have been impacted by this disease and I am proud to be part of this organization that is making a difference for so many.” Margolin also stated how successful this event has been at SHU in previous years. Last year over 1,000 students came out to the event and this year 58 teams are already signed up, according to Margolin. “Together, the night of Relay, we come together to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against this disease,” said Margolin. “And the money we raise supports the mission of the American Cancer Society. From rides to treatment to free lodging to 24-hour support, the American Cancer Society ensures no one has to face cancer alone.” Relay for Life is an event which strives to put things in perspective and to honor those who have passed away from cancer. “The best part about attending Relay for Life, for me, is being able to spend a night fighting for a cure, that has affected my family so deeply,” said Galbo. Rebecca White can be reached at rebecca.white@student.shu.edu.

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