Relay for Life teams count down, more than $11,000 raised

Junelynn Tran

Contributing Writer

In a few weeks, nearly 40 teams at VCU will unite to fight one common enemy: cancer.

The student organization, Relay for Life at VCU, will host its fourth annual fundraising event. The Relay for Life at VCU Web site states 40 participating organizations – 333 students, faculty and staff – have raised $11,770.

Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The purpose of the relay is to celebrate the lives of people battling cancer, remember lost loved ones, increase cancer awareness to the community and raise money for ACS, according to the ACS site.

The Relay for Life organization has set a goal to raise $30,000 at the relay. Relay teams will set up fundraising booths at the VCU Cary Street Track and Field on April 17. Each team will conduct its own fundraiser in an effort to raise money for cancer. Each team will also have a representative walking or running around the field at all times during the event.

The team that has raised the most money is Rehabbin’ Rams. Its members are a part of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club at VCU. They have raised nearly $1,400, surpassing their team goal of $1,000. Co-captain QuaShauna Smith said she constantly reminds people about the relay and encourages supporters for donations.

“I found out this year that my grandfather died of cancer, so actually, this fundraiser means a lot to me,” Smith said. “I pray that I am helping out someone with all the participants’ efforts of awareness.”

Rehabbin’ Rams has already completed a fundraiser with Tropical Smoothie Café and expects to have another fundraiser before the date of the relay. Smith said the team will have snacks and games at their fundraising booth.

One of the top participants, Nikki Johnson, has raised almost $500 for her team, Muevelo. Muevelo is a student dance organization committed to community service and teaching dance workshops. As president of her team, Johnson said she became involved after she heard her friend was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“Because Relay For Life is well known and well promoted, it’s easy to find people who support the cause,” Johnson said. “Everyone should come out. Do something good for the world.”

Muevelo has fundraised with Panera, and recently, hosted a handcuff party to encourage guests to donate for cancer. They raised $280 in one night. Johnson plans to participate in another fundraising event, possibly a penny wars between her team members.

The day of Relay For Life will include an opening ceremony from a cancer survivor family, in addition to several guest speakers. The rest of the day will be dedicated to fundraising and special activities for everyone to participate. At night, there will be a Luminaria ceremony, a candlelight ceremony dedicated to honor those who have died or battled cancer.

The Central Virginia Area Director for ACS, Nadine Malpass, said the ceremony “is very moving, starting somber to very uplifting.”

Malpass also said she is “thankful to the college movement” because they are the next generation to keep fighting against cancer.

Rachel Prunier, the team recruitment and volunteer chair for Relay For Life, said this year’s event is different because there is more community involvement and more teams.

“Teams make the event. They help it grow and help find a cure,” Prunier said. “Cancer affects more than just a cancer patient. It affects the caretaker, family and friends.”

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.relayforlife.org/vcu.