Lauren Miller
Staff Reporter
Every year students look forward to the 24 hour period in spring when they have an excuse, other than studying, to stay up all night.
Relay for life is, according to the Relay for Life website ( www.relayforlife.org ), “The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length”.
At McDaniel Jodi Feehan, Senior, plays a large role in the production of Relay. An event that some may take for granted as a fun night is actually the culmination of a lot of work done by the Relay committee.
“The chair/president starts organizing the next years relay during the summer. Once returning to school the committee meets and starts thinking of new ideas for the next years Relay,” said Feehan. “It takes leadership and a lot of hard work to put this night together. Everyone works together to make this night happen!”
Feehan has worked on the Relay committee for three years. She has been a committee member, the luminar chair, and this year she is the president of the whole event. For her Relay is not just about fundraising. It’s about remembrance. “Relay is not only a fundraising event but a time to remember,” said Feehan. “Cancer never sleeps which is a reason why the Relay is a 12 hour walk. There are tons of schools that participate in Relay. Most people have either known someone who has battled cancer or have a loved one who has to fight this disease.” Which, she says, makes Relay an event appealing for most people.
For her personally this event is about remembering her grandmother and high school friend who both lost their battles with cancer.
Students aren’t the only ones getting in on the act. Faculty also participates in this yearly event. “This year it was my goal to have more faculty and staff involved with Relay. We have an Admissions team that has been the number one team fundraising wis, and we also have a professor from the EPE department,” said Feehan. “I hope we can continue to involve the whole campus in this amazing, life changing event.”
This year’s Relay was held April 30th-May 1st in Bair Stadium. Not only was there a lot of walking, but there was also a moon bounce, an inflatable movie screen, various clubs performing, games and activities throughout the night’s event.
“Relay is a great opportunity to thank, remember and fight back to those who have battled or lost their lives to cancer. Relay is one night that everyone can come together to celebrate, remember and fight back,” said Feehan.
