Raising, Hope and Remembering

Claire Cahillane ENGL 336.003

Try as it might, a storm warning and strong winds could not lessen the atmosphere at this year’s Relay for Life at Frostburg State University. Kicking off at 6 pm on Friday, April 15th with the Opening Ceremony and Survivors Walk the weather was dry but windy and fortunately, it remained that way for the majority of the event. Many students and faculty turned out to support the momentous cause together raising $50,432.95 for the American Cancer Society. Teams consisted of sororities and fraternities, staff members, sports teams and groups of friends; each had individual reasons for participating but together there was one motive, the raise money for cancer research, to remember those we lost and to celebrate those that survived.

The Luminaries Ceremony began at 9 pm, half the lights were turned off on the field and participants took a lap in memory of those who had passed away. Circling the field to Sarah McLaughlin’s ‘Arms of an Angel’, the cause was never more apparent, as everyone read the names on the luminaries of those who died. Although the luminaries were not lit, due to the high winds, the ceremony was no less poignant and moving.

Michael Stevenson, a junior at Frostburg was participating for the second time this year. He stated, “I don’t think it’s as big as last year, but I’m really enjoying it this year.” Stevenson was walking with some of his friends from the tennis team and wasn't going to stay for the full event. “I’ve a match on Sunday so I have to get plenty of rest, so I can’t stay tonight, I am disappointed but hopefully next year I will be able to.”

Beginning in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington for the past 25 years Relay for Life has been raising much needed funds for the American Cancer Society. In the past 10 years, Frostburg has raised over $265,000 from Relay for Life. The event keeps on growing globally, with more than 20 countries now participating worldwide. The fundraising doesn’t stop even though Relay is over this year, you can still donate this year until August 31st and help Frostburg State University reach their target of $53,000.