Community celebrates Relay for Life’s 25th year

Like many University of Cincinnati students involved with Relay for Life, Megan Hathaway participated in honor of someone affected by cancer.

“I walk for Sharon Standriff. She was like a grandmother to me,” Hathaway said, looking down at the picture. “She inspired me to get involved with Relay for Life in the first place, and this year I’m getting more involved as one of the event chairs.”

Hathaway, a civil engineering and mathematics student, is an event co-chair and top fundraiser at the seventh annual Relay for Life, held this last weekend at UC.

Hathaway raised $3,275. It isn’t the money that keeps Hathaway coming back to volunteer each year; rather it is the photograph she wears around her neck.

Relay for Life is a fundraising event held annually by the American Cancer Society to raise cancer awareness and donations to aid in fighting the disease. This year the event celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Over the weekend, UC held its largest Relay for Life to date  with 168 fundraising teams raising approximately $135,000. Corporate sponsors are expected to send in matching donations, which will increase the total amount raised.

Last year, Relay raised $117,000 as a result of the event. By Aug. 31, 2008, the last day for donations, Relay had brought in $124,000.

“It was more people than I’ve ever seen,” said Relay for Life co-chair Florence Lucas, a third-year secondary education and mathematics student. “It was just the most amazing thing to be a part of … again.” Lucas has been the co-chair for the last two years.

McMicken Commons – the site of the 24-hour walk – was transformed into a Woodstock-like campground, as tents littered the lawn and teams set up various booths offering everything from face painting to root beer pong, all raising money to help eradicate cancer.

“I love how many people came out,” said Alysia Totten, a first-year secondary education student. “It’s cool that everyone could come together for such a great cause.”

The opening ceremony kicked off at 6 p.m., Friday, April 24, with cancer survivors leading the first lap to the beat of the Bearcat band. After the initial lap, festivities began, with music pumping all night long and varying from live rock bands to karaoke to a volunteer disc jockey. Each lap had a theme, including a toga lap and a nearly naked lap. As the night continued, the sidewalk could barely hold all of the walkers; many began to spill onto the grass.

“There are a record number of teams this year. I’m amazed at how many people came and stayed,” Hathaway said.

At 10 p.m., the luminaria service took place, as candles lining the walk were lit in remembrance of those who fought against cancer.

“It was really something seeing all of those flames while you walked. It was cool to see people find their luminaries,” said Evan Morton, a first-year engineering student. “It reminded me of why I came tonight.”

The event-filled night eventually transitioned to a mellow Saturday morning with a wake-up call at 8 a.m. and the smell of pancakes. As tents were packed away and monies earned the night before were turned in, Lucas started the closing ceremonies around 11:30 a.m. by giving out awards to the top fundraisers.

The top fundraising team was the Cancer Crushers with $6,855, and Hathaway was the top individual fundraiser.

After the closing ceremonies, remaining volunteers, teams and survivors took a final lap around McMicken Commons tired, but proud of what they had accomplished.
“This was such an inspiring two days,” said first-year student Erin Brad. “I can’t wait to do it again next year.”