This past weekend Southeast Missouri State University held a "Relay For Life" event for all college students to attend. This is an all night journey to help find a cure that changes the lives of those we have loved and have lost. Various sororities/fraternities, social groups and associations take part in forming a team and setting a fundraising goal which helps assists the funding for cancer research. During the eight hours student organizations and teams set up on-site fundraisers such as selling hotdogs, smoothies, baked goods or popcorn.
From 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. there were sports tournaments, a Zumba class, live entertainment and of course an awesome lip sync battle among all those who chose to attend. From the beginning to the end of Relay families, students, faculty and community members were joined together side by side to walk the track for those affected by cancer. Relay is of course an evening of fun and entertainment but we must not loose track of why we all are really there and that is to support those who are fighting, who lost their battle and find a cure for cancer.
All year long, dedicated college students and their committees work nonstop to plan an event that leaves a mark and that is more successful than the previous year. Community fundraising events are held at local restaurants, bake sales throughout the university and very generous donations from businesses throughout Cape Girardeau to reach the desired fundraising goal. Each and every donation made brings us one step closer to finding a cure for cancer.
Many participants that attend the night event may be personally affected by cancer or know of an individual who has been affected. Whether its a similar scenario or not we are all there to be apart of a meaningful event. Now it is not just a one night deal. There happens to be a lot of planning, fundraising and awareness that happens throughout the semester to encourage students to participate. Whether you raise $20 or $200 you are still honoring those that have ben affected by this horrible disease and taking part in such a memorable event in campus life.
Every year is different. Different crowd, different events and different people who have to hear the words, "you have cancer." Consider joining your friends and family that participate in Relay For Life or making a donation on behalf of someone you know. Remember that each year we are one step closer to having more birthdays and being able to tell our future kids that we were able to make a difference and have a part in the fight against cancer.
