May 20 Relay for Life supports cancer research
Many Dartmouth students will not be getting any sleep next Friday, but it
won't be due to the temptations of social engagements. Rather, they will
be promoting awareness of cancer and raising money for research through the American Cancer Society
(ACS) annual Relay for
Life program. Over 430 members of the Dartmouth community will stay up the
night of May 20th, running and walking around the circular track at Alumni
Field for 12 straight hours to earn money from pledges.
Supporters cheer on local cancer survivors during the opening lap at
Dartmouth's 2004 Relay for Life
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Last year, Dartmouth raised over $50,000. This year it hopes to garner
at least $60,000. In addition to walking the track, participants will
speak with cancer survivors and hold a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of
those from the Dartmouth community lost to the disease, including Lindsay Della
Serra '06, a Dartmouth student who passed away Nov. 30, 2004 from lymphoma.
Relay for Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, Wa., ran a
grueling 83 miles in 24 straight hours, raising $27,000 for his local branch of
the ACS. He reasoned that cancer never sleeps, so for one night neither
would he. Since then the idea has caught on, spreading to more than 20
countries and raising millions of dollars for research in the process.
Participants form teams who run and walk in relays so that at least one team
member is on the track at all times throughout the night. They also
solicit pledges and donations online and through fundraisers such as bake sales
and pancake breakfasts.
Last year's event had a powerful impact. Stuart Lord, Virginia Rice Kelsey
'61S Dean of the Tucker
Foundation, sees Relay for Life as "a great opportunity for everyone
to gather-students, faculty, staff and other members of the community-and show
their support for the cause and work together towards finding a
cure." Kelley Durkin '07, who is helping organize this year's event,
noted that, "the Dartmouth community comes together to have fun and be
involved in the fight against cancer, something which has touched all of our
lives."
To keep the spirits of the participants high during their ambulatory vigil,
student bands and a capella groups are scheduled to perform. The event is
sponsored in part by the Athletics
Department, the Tucker Foundation, the Alumni Relations Office, the Office of Residential Life and the Office of Conferences and Special
Events.
Opening ceremonies start at 6 p.m. Fri., May 20 and the event will last
until 9:00 a.m. the following morning. Members of the Dartmouth community
are urged to participate by attending the Opening Ceremony, sponsoring a runner
or team, joining or forming a relay team, or donating food items for the day of
the event. To get involved, visit the website or blitz for more information.
By NICOLAS DE ZAMARÓCZY '07
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