FEATURES
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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northern-iowan.org
PAGE 7
Relay for Life raises $93,000 for cancer research By BLAKE FINDLEY Staff Writer
Imagine a whole new world without cancer. The University of Northern Iowa Relay For Life raised $93,000 for this cause Friday evening through Saturday morning. The event, sponsored by UNI’s Colleges Against Cancer, brought nearly 1,000 students to the McLeod Center in support of the fight against cancer. “It blows my mind how many people attended. It’s so amazing,” said Sarah McCarty, president of Colleges Against Cancer. “Thank you so much to everyone who came or fundraised and increased awareness for this terrible disease.” “I think it’s awesome that people our age can understand there’s more to life than simple pleasure,” said Paul Harkin, a cancer survivor and sophomore gerontology major. “It’s great that students are willing to give up a night of being a college student and give their time to cancer research,” said Molly Ledvina, a senior leisure, youth and human services major. “Some people (here) may not even know someone with cancer, which shows that they just have a conscience.” The Relay For Life is an all-night event during which people raise funds to fight against cancer and stay up late walking or running along a track in teams. The event featured jousting, a pickle-spitting contest, a dance party, live bands, root beer pong and “Relay Idol” to entertain the attendees who were not walking at the time, said Amber Irlmeier, a freshman actuarial science major and a member of Colleges Against Cancer’s corporate sponsorship committee. “People are walking in
honor or in memory of their friends, family and others who had cancer,” said Irlmeier. “The main point of the night was to raise money for the American Cancer Society.” In addition to fun activities, there were ceremonies throughout the Relay. During the opening ceremony, cancer survivors walked the first lap. The Survivors’ Lap was followed by the Luminara Ceremony, which memorializes those who have been lost. There was also encouragement for everyone to become advocates for cancer research and, in the closing ceremony, everyone walked the last lap together. Students had a variety of reasons for wishing to participate in this event. “Cancer already affects everyone, so I wanted to go out and be part of the fight against it and raise money for cancer research,” Irlmeier said. “I just wanted to support the cause,” said Kelvin Robinson, a freshman business management major. “One of my good friends in high school was diagnosed with cancer my junior year,” explained Alec Lovin, a sophomore marketing major. “It’s a good way to show support for people who have or had cancer.” “I’m here because I think (cancer research) is a great cause,” said Susan Graves, a freshman biology major. “It’s something everyone should be made aware of.” “I have had a lot of family friends that have had some sort of cancer or are in remission,” said Emily McQuiston, a freshman elementary education and early childhood education double major. “I have even had some close friends die from it.” “My mom died of brain
cancer when I was 4, so I’m here to represent her and support a great cause,” said Emilee Hillyer, a freshman public relations major. “I think this is absolutely awesome. (Colleges Against Cancer) have done a spectacular job getting everything up and going. I am extremely impressed.” McCarty was pleased with the event and hopes students continue to attend in future years. “For me, personally, my college career would not be the same without Relay For Life,” she said. “Some of the best memories from college will have been from Relay.”
MATT BAUERLY/Northern Iowan
(Top) Members of Team “Ha-Cure-A-Matata” pose with UNI President Benjamin Allen and his wife, Pat, during the Relay for Life in the McLeod Center Friday. (Above) A light display showcases four goals behind the Relay for Life: celebrate, remember, fight back, and hope.
troop-a-palooza family carnival
MAPLE LANES: Wed. & Fri. 8:30 PM
Come join food, family and fun! on
Sunday, April 17 Cedar Falls High School North Gym 1 to 5 p.m. $5 admission
Clip this ticket and present it at the door to receive
buy one get one 1/2 off! All Proceeds go to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
for more information, visit the Troop-A-Palooza Facebook page