I Relayed for life
After months of hard work raising money for Vanderbilt Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society, our big Relay even finally took place on the outdoor track at the Recreation Center. After months of anticipation, Relay for Life was everything I had expected and more.
Vanderbilt Relay For Life is a student-run organization on campus that’s affiliated with the American Cancer Society. So much effort goes into promoting Relay for Life and raising funds. These funds go to cancer research and provide support and therapy for those diagnosed with cancer and their families. It is a great way to raise awareness and bond with Vanderbilt and non-Vanderbilt students who put their hands together and walk around the track for twelve hours, from 3 PM to 3 AM.
I started off by joining Relay as a committee member on Paint Vandy Purple (the details of which are in another blog post). I learned throughout three months of preparation how to go above and beyond to promote cancer awareness on campus and get people to join Relay for life and aid in raising funds for this great cause. I met so many upperclassmen, some of which have become dear friends of mine. The dedication that these ladies and gentlemen brought to their cause has been inspirational.
All this work finally paid off when we had our Relay event. By then, I was completely exhausted and I almost didn’t show up to the event, but I am glad I did!
Relay for Life goes on for twelve hours symbolizing how cancer never sleeps and that it is going to be present until we put an end to it and finish the fight. This might sound a little extreme: how are college students going to change the world? The answer to that is that we can do the best we can and that every dollar that we raise can aid in relieving someone’s pain and suffering. This year we raised 75,000 dollars! This is an example of how little efforts combined can produce something greater that we thought.
Relay for Life was a challenge indeed. I committed myself to doing laps around the track as much as I can, and ended up doing 25. There’s something about the continuity of the track that reminds you how cancer is a cycle that needs to be broken.
Relay for Life was more than just walking around the track. So much work was put into getting food sponsorship and different performers to play at the event. That is because Relay for Life isn’t just about raising money and awareness. It is also about celebrating the lives of those who survived this horrible disease, and commemorating those who lost their lives in the battle. What’s also great about this event is that after a few hours every body let their guards down. Every lap around the track becomes a chance to get to know the people around you, after all we are all joined by one cause.
It was great for all of us to sit on the grass and listen to the stories of those on Vanderbilt Campus who fought back against cancer and won the fight. The stories were heart breaking yet a true testament of how cancer can be fought through dedication to life and the support of family and friends, and organizations like the American Cancer Society.
My favorite part of the night was the luminaria ceremony. Each luminaria bag was dedicated to the memory of a relative or a friend, or to a cancer survivor. The bags surrounded the track and were illuminated with glow sticks. Before the ceremony started, all the lights were turned off and it was dead dark. Each participant was given a glow stick. We sat together listening to stories of memories of those who lost their lives to cancer, with the sticks glowing. As we walked around the track for one more lap, the path was illuminated with luminaria bags, that symbolized hope, and by us; Vandebrilt students who are committed to finishing the fight and taking back the night.
Throughout the whole event, I was in complete joy. There was a spirit of hope and solidarity that swept me off my feet and I never wanted to leave the track. I couldn’t stop thinking about the parent who lost their child, or the child who lost their friend, or the girl who lost her hair fighting back. It was breathtaking, inspirational and overwhelming. It has been a long journey, but it is probably even longer for those who actually take a stand and fight back against cancer.
The slogan was right: it was the one night stand I will never forget.
