Ashley Yenick ’14, Copy Editor
Relay For Life is a 12-hour overnight event that raises money towards cancer research that is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The significance of Relay For Life is to reflect a cancer patient’s battle with cancer. When the sun sets on the night of Relay, this is supposed to signify a patient being diagnosed with cancer. As the night goes on and it gets darker, it symbolizes the height of their battle and undergoing surgery. When 3 a.m. hits and Relayers are exhausted, this is supposed to signify the cancer patient’s post-chemo treatment and how exhausted they are. When it’s 6 a.m. and the sun rises, Relay For Life is over, and this is the cancer patient going into remission and it’s no longer dark for them.
Relay For Life’s Kick-Off Event.
This year at Merrimack, Relay For Life will take place on April 4-5th, and doors open at 5 p.m. in the MPR. This year’s Relay For Life theme is the ‘90s. At Relay, there will be fun and games, as well as a Luminaria ceremony to remember cancer patients fighting cancer as well honoring those lost. Last year, Relay For Life at Merrimack raised $45,000 to go towards cancer research, and over 400 students and faculty participated. Legends of the Hidden Temple, a Mr. Relay competition, and a Photo Booth will be just some of the exciting activities at Relay this year. Bridget Gilroy, President of Live 2 Give says, “Relay is such an amazing event because we are all there for the same reason– to finish the fight against a disease that has taken so many incredible people and has tested countless others. Not only is it an extremely fun night, but while we are having fun we are also celebrating the survivors who have fought arduous battles and the researchers and doctors who are helping to find cures and treatments. We are remembering those who have fought and are currently fighting and throughout the whole night—we are fighting back against this horrible disease. It is an unfortunate truth that cancer has touched everyone’s lives in one way or another and to have us come together as a community to do our part to no longer have that truth be a reality, is truly phenomenal.”
Help Relay For Life finish the fight against cancer this year by helping them reach their goal of $50,000! Any money raised goes directly to the American Cancer Society to aid in cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services. You can create a team, join a team, or join as a single participant by visiting Relayforlife.org/Merrimack.
