For Meghan Donnellan, a third-year medical student, Relay for Life is more than a few laps around a track – it is a cause.
Donnellan’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and in 2000. She was given chemotherapy developed in American Cancer Society-funded laboratories and has been in remission for over eight years. For Donnellan, the annual event is a personal reminder of her family and friends that have been affected by cancer.
This year’s Relay for Life will take place on March 27, and organizers expect nearly 800 participants. Opening ceremonies for the event will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. It is sponsored by Colleges Against Cancer and proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
Lauren Steier, Public Relations chair for Relay for Life, described the event as a “party with a purpose.” She said it is meant to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost.
The funds raised through Relay for Life go toward cancer research, education, advocacy and programs and services for cancer patients and their families. Jenny Muir, the American Cancer Society staff partner for the Colleges Against Cancer group at Creighton, said students should support the event because cancer impacts everyone.
Approximately one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, according to the ACS. In Douglas County, nearly 2,172 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
“The money we raise at events like Relay is impacting people right here in our community and helping them,” Muir said. “I am so impressed with the time, energy and commitment the students have had.”
This will be Donnellan’s second year participating in Relay. Last year, she raised about $550. This year, the number has climbed to $720.
“I chose to Relay because of all the good that the American Cancer Society does,” she said. “It is amazing to see so many people come together for such a great cause and have fun together.”
Alvin Samuels, Arts & Sciences junior, has participated in the event for the last two years and will be running with his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, this year. He said he participates because it is an important cause and he thinks ACS is a quality organization.
“I have seen how Relay has affected the lives of people in a genuine way and, in seeing that, I know it is a worthy cause,” Samuels said.
Last year, the event raised $47,000 total. This year the goal is $80,000.
Mary Chase, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management, is head of the Creighton team that is leading the pack in money raised so far this year. Chase’s grandmother died of cancer and many of her friends have been affected by it. For her, the most moving part of Relay for Life is the survivors’ walk, which takes place during opening ceremonies.
“Creating awareness and finding a cure are important to me,” she said. “We’re not in it to compete. We take great pride in being able to raise the money.”
For Jessica Pittman, Arts & Sciences sophomore and co-chair of Relay for Life, the event symbolizes her personal history and future.
“I have lost many family members to cancer and feel obligated to commemorate their lives by changing the lives of others,” she said. “The cancer statistics show that cancer is indiscriminate, and I believe that it is inevitable that I will get cancer.
“I want to do what I can to support the mission of the ACS.”
To register for the event, register as a survivor or donate to the cause, visit www.relayforlife.org/creightonune.
To receive support or access cancer information call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.