Some in the Saint Louis University community will be running to help cancer research when the American Cancer Society Relay for Life hits the campus on May 4 and 5.
“It is a neat event that will bring together people from all over the city and many walks of life,” said Bernie Schaefer, director of the Community Outreach Center. “SLU is honored to host this event.”
Relay For Life is a 13-hour fund-raising event that allows people to join together in the fight against cancer. Participants will form teams of 10-15 people who will take turns on the track, walking or running in shifts.
The American Cancer Society approached SLU to host the event, considering it an ideal location, according to Schaefer.
Participants include SLU faculty, students and alumni who have survived cancer. All members of the SLU community are invited to join in the event, including the opening “survivor” lap around the track at Robert Hermann stadium.
“I have a personal interest because I am a cancer survivor,” Schaefer said. “This is also a chance for SLU faculty, staff and students to be involved, especially if their lives have been touched by cancer.”
Each participant is challenged to raise $100. Schaefer is confident that the event will raise tens of thousands of dollars.
Jen Etling and Alex Kajari are two students who are participating in the relay. Etling has participated in other events to raise awareness about cancer because her uncle has cancer. “I see how much he is struggling and suffering, and I would like to do something to help,” she said. “This is one way I can.”
Etling has personally raised more than $500 from family members and close friends. “That was my personal goal, so anything more is just a bonus.”
Etling feels strongly about the cause in her search to help her uncle and others like him. “Since I can’t help medically and I want to show more than just monetary donations, this is a fun way to support the cause.”
“It means that I am doing my part to help all cancer patients and cancer research around the country,” she continued.
Etling commends her teammates and other students participating, as it is a long event scheduled the weekend before finals.
Kajari, a junior, is also joining the event because of family members who have undergone cancer treatment.
She thought this event might be her best form of defense: “I figured the best way would be to get a team of friends together to make the event that much more fun.”
All contributions will go directly to the American Cancer Society. “It means that I am giving back to an organization that has given so much to my family,” she said.
For more web information about the Relay for Life, visit the American Cancer Society Web site at http://www.cancer.org/.
