Last Friday, the act of walking took on a new meaning for the participants in the University's annual Relay for Life event. From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday, students from various Contracted Independent Organization and independently-formed groups gathered at the Fontaine Research Park off Jefferson Park Avenue to take an active role in the fight against cancer.
The money raised by these groups through numerous fundraising activities will support the American Cancer Society.
Three years ago, Relay for Life co-Chair Danica Murphy was one of the initial students involved in bringing this national event to the University.
"Ever since being involved in Relay for Life in high school, I was interested in continuing to be involved in this event when I got to college," Murphy said. "For many years, Charlottesville has always held a community relay, but about five years ago, other college campuses nationwide began to form their own Relay for Life teams. This event only began at the University three years ago, but since then, it has expanded greatly and now encompasses a greater number of participants."
Relay for Life organizers start planning for the event at the onset of each school year, when they begin to spread the word to different organization in order to garner support and encourage individuals to begin fundraising. According to Murphy, about 55 teams within the University participate in the event each year and work on earning money through community service activities and bake sales.
"During the event, we try and encourage one team member from every donating organization to stay on the track at all times," Murphy said. "We had different a cappella groups and bands performing throughout the night in order to keep the energy up among the participants, as well as other activities for them to participate in. We also reward the top three individual fundraisers and the top fundraising team with gift baskets or certificates for massages."
For some students, the reward did not even factor into their willingness to raise money for such a worthy cause. Second-year College student Lindsey Jones, the top individual fundraiser for the event with a total of $7,680, experiences the effects of cancer on a more personal level, as her boyfriend was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.
"After my boyfriend's diagnosis, I began looking for ways that I could help the cause," Jones said. "I saw fliers around Grounds for the relay, and I knew that's what I wanted to do. Although I did table on the Lawn to sell tickets for the benefit concert, I spent three months individually fundraising by selling Livestrong bracelets and cookies. Most people, like me, wanted to do anything they could to help, so friends and family kept donating to the cause."
Jones said her involvement in this organization has helped her to get through the semester in allowing her to be focused on a specific goal.
"I decided to become a part-time student this semester because I am gone every weekend to see him in the hospital," Jones said. "I didn't even want to be in school this semester without him, but being involved in Relay for Life helped me to stay at U.Va. because ironically, it took my mind off of my boyfriend's condition."
Despite the rainy weather, Murphy said the relay proved to be more successful than it has been in previous years. Murphy said she hopes the organization will be able to expand even more in the future, both in terms of fundraising capabilities and increasing University participation.
"The organization's goal of $50,000 has been surpassed," Murphy said. "So far we have raised around $66,500 and are continuing to receive donations. This year, we had a great turnout, and only 15 students organized the event. Next year, we plan on having 20 organizers to help make the event even larger."
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