Relaying a cure against cancer one step at a time
By Sam Rakestraw // Staff Writer
According to the National Cancer Institution, over 1 million (nearly stretching into 2 million) cases of cancer are reported in the United States. Half a million of those same people will ultimately die from the disease. With cancer holding the position as one of the world’s leading causes of death, funds are being poured into researching a cure; that’s where Colleges Against Cancer comes in.
Professionally run organizations like The American Cancer Society and St. Jude share the same goal as Colleges Against Cancer – to raise money for cancer research, be it by fundraising or service working.
Colleges Against Cancer achieves their goal by hosting the annual Relay For Life.
Relay For Life is a fundraising event orchestrated by the American Cancer Society. The organization hosts 24-hour walk marathons through communities that volunteer to hold them. These events are one of the most successful cancer research fundraisers.
The College Against Cancer club’s main effort is to raise awareness and volunteer teams for the upcoming Relay for Life being held in High Point on April 18. The Relay will be held by High Point University and will run for 12 hours.
“While we’re not active in the first semester,” Richard DeVita, club president, said, “we focus on organizing the [Relay for Life] so that the university can participate. Often times, our sports teams, fraternities, sororities and other clubs will volunteer. We also welcome students to organize their own teams for participation.”
At last year’s Relay, Colleges Against Cancer raised nearly $15,000. Now, they intend to set the bar higher.
“This year, we’re hoping to raise around $20,000,” DeVita said.
As president of the Colleges Against Cancer club, it goes far beyond an ambition to make a difference for DeVita.
“I’ve been a part of cancer awareness since I was in high school,” DeVita said. “It’s a little different running the club here on campus, but it’s really been a good experience. Every Relay we hold each year, we get a little bit closer to finally beating this terrible disease. I just hope for more participation.”
Colleges Against Cancer values participation and is keen on making a difference. The Relay for Life is the perfect way of achieving both.
“I’m really proud to be a part of it,” said Madison O’Malley, club member. “I’ve been involved in Relay For Life many times before and look forward to it. I encourage people to take part. Everyone could contribute a little.”
As of right now, Colleges Against Cancer continues to organize the upcoming Relay for Life, openly accepting any application for a team they get.