Play to win: The Fight against Cancer

by Korawn Harris        ENG336.003

Every April Frostburg State’s Colleges against Cancer (C.A.C) organization comes together to put on “Relay for Life” which is for the benefit of cancer research. Participants are able to walk around the FSU track individually or in teams to show their interest in the fight against cancer. People never really believe the amount of work and effort that is placed into this charitable event. Every Tuesday at 6pm the organization and a host of sub committees come together to brainstorm and facilitate ideas on a theme, name, and attractions. From the beginning of the fall semester until April money is being raised, alumni is being reached, and volunteers are being sought after.  Taylor Parker, vice president of NBS and fundraising committee member of C.A.C stated that, “with an event of this magnitude it was necessary that we meet every week to provide real time updates and feedback on progress and initiatives.”

This year C.A.C decided to emulate the original carnival theme. “Carnival for a Cure” is what they came up with.  By using this idea Ashley Daniels, president of C.A.C, believed that she would "be able to maintain the attention of the walkers with attractions and entertainment." Years prior, “Relay for Life” found difficulty in finding suitable entertainment that would allow the walkers to maintain interest from 6pm to 6am Saturday morning. This year they had a host of carnival games that ranged from fifty-cent to one- dollar. Deborah Kelly and Sheneka Baker two student volunteers hosted the “Boulder Roll.” Deborah Kelly stated that, “every year she wanted to help with relay but something always came up, and with a free opportunity I wanted to make sure I was a part of it.” Also, they had a couple of free attractions such as, “The fly trap” where participants could enjoy some of the carnival activities whether they had money or not. The goal was to keep people enthused and excited.

Sheneka Baker(left) and Deborah Baker(right)
"The Boulder Roll"

"The Fly Trap"

Organizations such as Pre- med society, Delta Zeta, and Alpha Sigma Alpha provided refreshments such as water, baked goods, and snacks to the walkers for small donations and contributions. The men and women soccer team hosted small soccer games in the middle of the field for all to join. Towards the peak hours of Saturday morning, there was a live DJ playing crowd favorites, such as the “electric slide” to keep everyone’s spirits up as the weather started to shift. Terrell Talbert was one of the many line dance participants. He was walking in remembrance of his aunt and former alumni Ranine Talbert, class of ’93. She died from a 13 year long battle with breast cancer in 2009. Relay for life was a success.