Susquehanna University Relays for Life

By Laura Talbot
Relay for Life participants at Susquehanna University stretched their legs and
walked laps for nearly 12 hours at the annual event. Those registered raised
over $38,900 for the Relay, which took place at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 1,
2016 until 5 a.m. the following morning at the Garrett Sports Complex Field
House.
The official opening ceremony kicked off the night at 7 p.m. The universitys
music sorority Sigma Alpha Iota sang the national anthem. After some
opening remarks the first official lap of the night consisted solely of cancer
survivors. Cancer patient caregivers joined in the second lap and teams in
the third before the remaining individuals began walking.
More than 550 students and faculty supported Susquehanna Universitys
chapter of Colleges Against Cancer in teams and as individual walkers at the
event. There were 32 teams created for Relay for Life, several of which had
tables with activities or treats for sale.
Many campus clubs and Greek organizations had tables with activities and
food around the track. National service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega sold
Hawaiian leis and cake pops. The Susquehanna Psychology Club sold
cupcakes decorated with frosting brains and sorority Zeta Tau Alpha had
games of Jenga for a small fee.
Music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha held a raffle for dates with the brothers
consisting of activities like making a pizza or learning something new. Two
other organizations also held raffles for various prizes.
This was my third year at Relay for Life and as always, it was great to see so
many organizations there, and to see how creative and energetic they were.
Definitely an inspiring event to be a part of! said junior creative writing
major Sarah Harshbarger.
Phi Mu Alpha also gave a music performance as one of the hourly activities
held to keep participants awake and energized. Other activities included a lip
sync battle, a performance by acapella student music group Harmonic
Combustion, and an opportunity to donate hair. The donated hair will be used
to create wigs for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
While Relay for Life is filled primarily with fun activities, it is also a night to
honor survivors, fighters, and victims of cancer. After nightfall participants
take part in the Luminaria Ceremony. The track of the Field House was lined
with personalized bags with glow-sticks symbolizing those affected by the
disease.

Relay is a great event that brings awareness about the impact that cancer
has on individuals as well as communities. I go every year to show my
support. Ive never had a direct experience with cancer but [Relay] opens
your eyes to the reality of how many people really are affected by it, said
junior early childhood education major Allyssa Carson.
Relay for Life is an event created by the American Cancer Society to spread
awareness of cancer and raise funds for cancer research. The event is held in
many locations across the nation annually and serves as a great display of
solidarity. There are also 20 organizations in other countries that hold the
event.
I like that we have this event every year. It gives us a chance to support
survivors, those currently fighting cancer, and those lost to it. I also enjoy
seeing everyone come together to support such an important cause, said
junior Public Relations major Rene Lessard.