Relay for Life Begins at Elmhurst College
Relay for life held its kick off event on Tuesday November 3, initiating the start of the Relay for life season at Elmhurst College.
Relay for life is a fundraising event held by members of the community, raising money for the American Cancer Society. Tuesday’s event launched the beginning of Relay for Life at Elmhurst College, in which members of the organization encouraged students to sign up and begin raising money for the organization’s main event in April.
Tuesday’s event included free food, registration tables, a professional photographer, and the beginning of No Shave November, a challenge in which
participants avoid shaving for the entire month of November in order to raise awareness for cancer.
“The main goal was just to get our name out there so people knew when the event was and how to start fundraising,” said Erik Maranto, Vice
President of the Relay for Life Committee.
Relay for life is Elmhurst College’s largest fundraising event. The organization’s main 12-hour event takes place April 29 through the 30.
“It’s kind of just like a big party. Everyone comes with a team or they can come as individuals. We walk around the track, but we also have fun things going on including speakers and different laps that have different themes. It’s really just a big event to celebrate survivors and remember those who we’ve lost and honor those who are still fighting cancer,” said Annie Meuch, one of the organization’s Co-Presidents.
This year is E.C.’s 21st year holding the event. The group has raised over half a million dollars in the 20 years prior. Last year Relay for Life raised just under $34,000, marking a huge success for the committee. Last year was also the first year the group was formally recognized as an organization on campus.
“It has really helped this year in bringing in people. It’s been really exciting getting a new face to the organization. We’ve got a lot more people involved and it’s all due to the success of last year’s event,” said Maranto.
This year, the organization seeks to raise over $45,000.
“I think that cancer affects everyone. Even if it’s not you personally or a family member or a friend, you know people who have fought or have been affected by cancer and it’s a huge part of everyone’s life. I think that’s such a huge reason to get involved and join the fight against cancer and to say that you’ve been a part of that fight. At our event we have survivors and caregivers so you can see exactly who you’re helping just by coming to the event or signing up,” said Meuch.
Meuch and Maranto both have personal connections to the fight against cancer.
Meuch’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2013 and was given nine months to live. Meuch joined Relay for Life that October while her father fought the battle against cancer.
“We knew there wasn’t any cure to help him. He progressively got worse. I was hoping that he would get into the Survivor’s Lap at Relay for Life, but my dad passed away about a week before our event. Coincidentally, his funeral and memorial were the day of Relay for Life my freshman year. That’s what’s really making me want to make these events bigger and better every year. I dedicate everything I do to my dad and other people that I’ve lost to cancer. It’s a big part of my identity. Of my life,” said Meuch.
Maranto shared his own experience after his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer while he was in Junior High.
“It was very minor so she was able to beat it, thankfully. I remember going through the struggle and pain of understanding that I might lose my mom. I don’t want anyone else to face that. I don’t want anyone else to lose a loved one. That’s why I joined the committee. I want to see a world with less deaths and more birthdays. That’s something I go by,” said Maranto.
Maranto and Meuch encourage students to join Relay for Life and the fight against cancer.
“Get excited for this year. We’ve got a lot of fun stuff coming. We’ve got a lot of great ideas. It’s going to be something you won’t want to miss and you’ll be talking about it all the way till next year,” said Maranto.