QU Relay For Life Exceeds Fundraising Goal

Joan Summer, a cancer survivor, looked out over the crowd while sharing her story about her ongoing battle with ovarian cancer.

“I’m delighted to be here,” Summer said. “Well honestly I’m delighted to be anywhere after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer 18 years ago.”

Summer was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer only moments after delivering her third child. The fight has been long and hard, but Summer proudly described herself as a fulltime ovarian cancer survivor.

She finished her story by asking that anyone who is a cancer survivor to stand. Then she asked, one by one, for those whose brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends or co-workers have struggled with this disease to please stand. When she finished, the entire room was on their feet.

The fourth annual completed the opening ceremony by presenting the American Cancer Society with a check for $118,970. Although this was below fundraising goal of $125,000, participants were confident that they would raise enough money throughout the night to surpass that goal.

By the next morning, Quinnipiac had successfully raised $125,873, according to Event Co-chair and Quinnipiac junior, Kelsey Funk. There were 1,145 participants, 42 survivors and 125 teams present to help reach this goal, Funk said.

Relay For Life is a nationwide event where participants join teams and come together for 24 hours to walk laps around the track. At least one member from each team walks at all times to symbolize that even though cancer never sleeps, people will never give up the fight to find a cure.

Last year, the Northeast Division of the American Cancer society was able to provide more than 26,000 people with patient related information and programs, send 253 young patients to summer camp and hold 2,800 Look Good Feel Good programs for women dealing with the appearance related side effects of cancer, according to Funk.

Relay For Life of Quinnipiac takes place in the recreational center on campus. Teams of students, faculty and cancer survivors take over the basketball courts with blankets, pillows, snacks and even the occasional air mattress.

The first lap of the night is a ceremonial survivors lap. As the survivors gather in front of stage to begin their lap, it is evident that cancer knows no boundaries. It attacks people of all ages, races and social classes.

The first steps of the survivors lap are marked with tears from onlookers. When they are about halfway through, however, the mood turns from one of sadness to one of hope. At the end of the lap, people flood the track and walk hand-in-hand with the survivors.

The walking continues throughout the night, but there were also multiple tables set up around the track to raise more money for the cause. Participants could enter a raffle to pie someone in the face, rent board games to play with teammates or purchase luminaria bags to honor a loved one who is fighting or passed away from cancer.

Every hour also had a different activity, including a hula-hoop competition, carnival games, a basketball tournament and musical chairs.

Relay For Life of Quinnipiac will continue to accept donations through Aug. 31. If you would like to make a donation, please visit their Web site.