Colleges Against Cancer brings Relay for Life to the Gustavus community once more this April 15th from 6pm to 6am the next day. Relay for Life, which will be hosted in Lund Center, is an overnight event that is devoted to honoring those who have survived cancer, remembering those that we have lost to cancer, and raising money for the American Cancer Society.
This year’s Relay for Life will start off with two local speakers from the St. Peter community: cancer survivor Eric Haffley and former caregiver Margo Druschel. Throughout the night there will be performances, contests, games and prizes donated by local businesses and numerous student organizations will be hosting fun activities. A remembrance ceremony will also be held at the event to honor and remember those who have lost their lives battling cancer.
In preparation for this exciting evening, Her Campus Gustavus interviewed Abby Simms, a Gustavus junior Nursing Major and Co-President of Colleges Against Cancer at Gustavus, to get some answers to a few of our burning questions about the event.
What got you interested in Colleges Against Cancer and Relay for Life?
“During high school I was always involved in Relay for Life in my hometown, White Bear Lake. I have lost three of my grandparents to cancer and have an aunt who is a cancer survivor, so it is a cause that has always been close to my heart. When I came to Gustavus I saw the Colleges Against Cancer table at the involvement fair and thought it would be a great way to get involved on campus and do something to make a difference in a cause that I am passionate about. I became part of the committee and eventually applied for a chair position. This year I am one of two Co-Presidents for the Colleges Against Cancer Committee, which plans Relay for Life as well as other events throughout the year.”
Is it too late to get involved?
“You can sign up right up until the date, so it’s not too late! Right now we have 36 teams signed up, but our goal is to have 50 by the actual event. We would love to have representation from every student organization, Greek chapter, and athletic team on campus. It is also great to see first years sign up with their res hall sections or floors.”
How do you sign up?
“All you have to do is go to relayforlife.org and search “Gustavus” under the “Sign up for an event” tab. Once you are a participant you can use this website to recruit team members and raise funds. Our goal is to raise $55,000 this year for the American Cancer Society.”
For Gusties who want to get involved with the fight against cancer, come participate in this year’s Relay for Life on April 15th-16th at 6pm-6am in the Lund Arena! Help Colleges Against Cancer “Paint the Campus Purple.”