A mock Relay For Life, the 2004 Relay Kickoff was held last
Thursday, Oct. 21–the same night as game 7, the game that
determined St. Louis would represent the National League in the
World Series. Still, 134 poor and starving SLU students attended
the American Cancer Society sponsored event for their promised
pizza and soda.

“We had a big turnout despite the game. Last year only about 15
students, beside the committee showed up,” commented Relay Steering
Committee member Sharon Duessel.

Last year was SLU’s first year to host the event, but SLU still
raised $86,000, said Co-Chair Chris Pingel. However, with the
significant increase in school support this year, the event may
generate the committee’s goal of more than $125,000.

American Cancer Society Development Specialist Stephanie Kash
believes awareness is key to a successful Relay. The kickoff does
just this and gives the “meaning [of Relay for Life] and what it is
and what it will look like and what it has to offer,” said
Kash.

Like many of the other attendees, Steve Ranz joined the other
133 not because of the free-food guarantee but because of his
personal experience with cancer. After losing relatives due to the
disease, Ranz said, “Walking around the track is a way to give
back.”

Co-Chair Katie Fitzgerald explained at the kickoff how the money
is given back.

“The money we raise at our event benefits cancer patients in
three ways. First, it helps by saving the lives of cancer patients
in our community with the development of new drugs, for example.
Second, the money goes to empower patients and families through
knowledge. Third, it serves the quality of life of cancer
patients.”

One of these cancer patients is SLU’s own third-year medical
student, Nicole Giamanco. As a survivor of leukemia, she took stage
and told her story.

The battle she faced gave her a “new appreciation for life,
insight, and a goal. [She] wouldn’t wish it for anyone but wouldn’t
give it up either.”

Another cancer survivor will present his or her story at the
actual Relay For Life April 2-3. According to Pingel, “The
survivors are at the heart of why we do Relay.”

Like the actual event, the kickoff honored those cancer patients
who have not only won but also those who have lost their battle to
cancer. A list of names was collected Thursday night from the
attendees.

After each person in the Dubourg banquet room was holding a lit
candle, the lights were turned off, and the names off the list were
read one by one. Beyond All Reason maintained the peaceful,
spiritual atmosphere by singing “Amazing Grace.”

Relay Committee member Pam Ruether took the podium and excited
the crowd about the actual event. Teams will gather tents and
sleeping bags, while taking turns around the track from dusk until
dawn, said Ruether. Teams consist of 8-15 people.

The 12-hour event held at Robert R. Hermann Stadium will be
complete with musical entertainment, fun activities and free food.
At the kickoff, entertainment also included a performance by Phases
of Motion. Food donation suggestions are welcome, said Pingel.

The Relay For Life committee hopes to see 100 teams at this
year’s event, which is 25 more than last year, said Fitzgerald.
Much time is still available to form teams and join the other 134
poor and starving college students.

For more information about joining these students and their true
interest in the American Cancer Society, e-mail the Relay committee
at [email protected].

The first informational meeting will be held Dec.1 at 7 p.m. in
Dubourg 157. Look out for purple shirts on Wednesdays to ask the
committee questions in person. They can explain to you why on
Thursday Pingel said, “I don’t think anyone left without being
touched.”