Dale Levine has been a committed member of Colleges Against Cancer, as well as the Relay for Life Committee, since her freshman year. She has devoted incredible amounts of time and effort to plan this year’s Relay for Life, which will take place on April 8th in the Georgen Athletic Center fieldhouse. In this interview, Dale explains the ins and outs of Relay, as well as how to sign up and start fundraising!
Q: What is Relay for Life?
A: Relay for Life is an event that is held across the country and in some countries abroad that spreads awareness about cancer and raises money for the American Cancer Society. The event is usually between 12 and 24 hours and is filled with different ceremonies, speakers, performances, and activities. This year Relay will take place on Friday April 8th in Goergen Athletic Center. It is called Relay for Life because the event takes place on a track and the goal is to have someone from each team walking at all points throughout the night. As cancer never sleeps, neither do those who participate in Relay. It is the goal of the American Cancer Society and my Relay committee to make sure everyone has a great time but also learns about cancer–and of course, fundraises!
Q: How long have you been involved with the planning of Relay?
A: I was president of Colleges Against Cancer my sophomore spring and fall of my junior year. I was very involved in the planning for Relay my sophomore year but missed it last year because I was studying abroad. I began planning Relay for Life 2011 in July and have been busy this entire school year. I have a great committee of 18 people and we have all been working very hard to make sure that Relay is a huge success.
Q: What is your favorite part about the night and why do you Relay?
A: I relay because cancer is a disease that affects everyone. Whether it is a parent, an aunt, a grandparent, a friend, or you yourself are a survivor, cancer touches everyone’s lives in some way. I am so passionate about this cause because I believe that fundraising provides funding for research that will some day find a cure for cancer.
My favorite thing about Relay is watching the UR community come together to support one cause. All of the students on this campus are so busy and involved in a lot of different things so it is nice to see people stop to celebrate life and remember those who have passed because of this horrible disease.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Signing up is easy! Visit www.relayforlife.org/universityofrochester and either join a team or start a new one! Since Relay is so close, it is so important to begin fundraising immediately. The best way to raise money is by sending emails with a link to your personal fundraising page. If you raise $50 you will receive a t-shirt at the event.