The Omnibus

Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Grace Jeoung Southwest Baptist University students, faculty, staff and members of the Bolivar community gather in Blair Intramural Gym for Relay for Life. The event raised $22,600 for the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, held its annual all-night, fundraising event on Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19 in Meyer Wellness and Sports Center's Blair Intramural Gym. The night focused on three themes: celebrating the victories of survivors, remembering those who lost their battle with cancer and fighting back against the viciousness of cancer.
Blair Intramural Gym was transformed from a place of recreation into an area that resembled a camp on Friday night and Saturday morning. Volunteers and fundraisers had booths set-up around the gym, selling items such as ice cream and hot dogs.
Participants set up tents and chairs around the area where the teams were "camping out." People talked and played games while members from the team walked around the track above the gym floor. Each team was required to have one person walking on the track at all times.
The team members, who each raised at least $100 per team, were very enthusiastic about the event and glad to be a part of the meaningful night.
"It's a good cause," said junior Jared Kathcart who was selling hotdogs to raise extra money.
Kathcart was a member of Team Magnificent, which was led by junior Andrew Cook. Cook was responsible for organizing team meetings and making sure everyone raised the required amount of money.
Cancer survivors were also honored at the relay. Wearing purple shirts, the cancer survivors walked the first ceremonial lap of the night. The survivors encouraged people presently dealing with cancer and were an inspiration for others.
Dr. Donald Denton, assistant professor of theology, participated in the survivor lap since he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma his senior of college. His cancer went into remission after undergoing some experimental procedures and other routine treatments.
Denton's cancer has been in remission for 22 years, but he still has check ups annually.
"I realized how fragile my life was," said Denton, "My life was grace based."
At 9 p.m. luminaries lined the walking track and were lit in remembrance of those who have been lost to cancer. The luminaries were purchased by people who wanted a way to memorialize their loved ones.
The proceeds from the memorials were added to the money already raised by teams and individuals.
"It's a way to honor them and give back," said junior Emily Shepard.
Shepard has been working with the Relay For Life program for three years. The loss of her grandfather to cancer motivated her to get involved and help as much as possible.
The total amount raised at Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society this year was $22,600.

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