The Fight Against Cancer

By:  Bonnie Beasley

 

On Friday, April 26, 2013, the fight against cancer began at Frostburg State University.  FSU Greeks, athletes, and departments gathered into Bobcat Stadium for the opening ceremony of Relay for Life at 6 in the evening.  Not only were students and faculty of FSU at the relay, many local members of the community attended.  People of all ages came together in the fight against cancer.  Many students and faculty members volunteered to assist with setting up the relay.  Relay for Life is an event that raises money for the American Cancer Society.  After the announcements of who raised the most money, the cancer survivors and caregivers were summoned to the area in front of the stage.  The survivors were told to begin their lap around the track with the caregivers following behind them.  After both the survivors and the caregivers had begun their journey around the track, everyone else was encouraged to walk behind them. 

Relay for Life wasn’t just about walking around the track; there were a lot of other activities for everyone to participate in.  There was plenty of good music as well as an opportunity to sing karaoke.  On the football field sports such as soccer and football were being played.  A Zumba class was put on later in the night to get everyone moving.  However, the activity that seemed to get a lot of attention was the bull ride.  People lined up to take a try on the bull, as many people gathered around to see who could stay on the longest. Maya Taylor said, “Staying on the bull was a lot harder than I thought it would be but it was still fun.”  A donation was required in order to ride the bull.  Not only were there plenty of activities, there were plenty of food options as well.  Free food was offered in the tent at 7 p.m. and 12 a.m.  Gianni’s supplied sandwiches and pizza during these times at the relay.  Courtney Venus said, “I loved the free sandwiches, I had to go back for seconds.”  Food was also for sale around the relay from different organizations.  Some tables offered cookies, chips, water, soda, and ice cream.  Everyone was able to hang out with their friends while standing up against cancer.  Abby Callahan said, “It was great getting to hang out with my sisters and friends while supporting the fight against cancer and having a good time.”

Relay for Life had its sad moments, but it was a fun way to help fight cancer.  Everyone knows or knew someone who has or had cancer at one point in their life.  It has had an impact on many lives but we were all able to come together at FSU to fight cancer.  Frostburg State University did its part in the fight against cancer.  We were able to raise over $60,000 which exceeded our goal.  Frostburg State University made a great contribution to the American Cancer Society in an effort to end cancer so that it doesn’t end us.