Every year, thousands of locations nationwide partake in the all-night, remembrance and celebration ceremony that is Relay For Life. JMU is no exception to this list of participating venues, and it is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society and their efforts in the battle against cancer. Everyone has some kind of connection, whether direct or distant, to someone that has been affected by or has come in contact with cancer in his or her life. This is what makes Relay For Life such a meaningful event; cancer is a widespread disease that has no limits on the amount of people that it reaches. Relay brings these people together, as one force, against the outstretching arms of cancer and combines their efforts, energy, and passion for fundraising and finding a cure.
I’ve always heard of this event happening at JMU, and my freshman year, living in Hillside dorm, I definitely experienced the high energy of Relay that carries on alllllllll night long. Even though I had heard of Relay and knew many people that always participated in it, I just never really thought about participating myself. Well, promotion for the event started pouring into our emails and social media earlier this semester. Luckily, I also just joined Habitat for Humanity this semester, and they mentioned that they were creating a Relay team. After questioning whether or not I should finally do it this year, I thought, “What the heck…I’ve only got one year left!” And so I made the choice to join in the experience and see just what the Relay hype was all about.
I got to the event right when it started (around 6 p.m.) and everyone was pumped up and ready to start walking. The night was kicked off with a one-lap walk of all the cancer survivors that were present. This was such a motivational and meaningful moment that proved that there is still hope to conquering cancer. It was reassuring to know that our efforts that night would be going towards the means that helped these very people make it through such a horrible disease. Once they finished the opening lap, everyone else was invited to join in and the event was officially started!
There were so many clubs, groups, and supporters that came out to support Relay’s cause. Every individual was helping out in some way just by being present, and it was incredible to see JMU’s representation in the big picture. All throughout the night, there was constant entertainment that kept the walkers and other participants excited and determined as the hours passed on. From a cappella groups to Party Cartel, the main stage was always bursting with talent that kept us all going.
One of the most moving points of the night was the Luminaria ceremony that was held at 9:30 p.m. Once the Luminaria bags lining the walkway were lit, participants were asked to walk a lap to represent each individual that they were supporting, whether it be a parent, friend, or significant other. All other participants were asked to remain silent as the memory and recognition of loved ones were honored. This was an emotional time that held huge significance to so many people that were there for the event. Although many of the walkers carried the weight of a lost one on their shoulders, it was important for all of us to remember that those who were lost are the reason why we are still fighting. Cancer takes the lives of so many innocent people and it shows no mercy. Remembering and honoring the ones who were taken by cancer pushes us, as survivors, daughters, brothers, to continue to strive for hope and a cure in order to stop cancer in its tracks.
Later in the night, lighted balloons were released in honor of those that have been taken by cancer. Each balloon color corresponded to the type of cancer that had affected each individual. This too was a poignant moment as we all stood silent and the blinking of the balloons became one with the starry sky above. This release signified a letting go of the hurt, pain, and hardships that cancer has caused for so many people and turned it into something beautiful, like the memories that we keep so dear to us.
Through the high points and the low points of the night, there was an overall sense of community and camaraderie among the participants. We may have been walking with different organizations, but we were all walking for the same cause. My first Relay experience was full of celebration, but it also contained a realization that cancer is extremely prevalent among even our small JMU community. Our efforts to support the American Cancer Society shouldn’t stop just after this one night…if we all continue to donate or even just offer friendly support to someone who might be experiencing something with cancer now, it all amounts up to a huge contribution that could make a difference. So I say to you, for those who may be battling with anything right now, whether it be a family issue, a disease, or even just an argument with a friend, just know that you are not alone. We are all supporting each other in this life, and that is what we have to be grateful for.