With the University’s Relay for Life just slightly more than three months away, the Relay for Life team kicked off their promotional campaign with a concert featuring most of campus’ a capella groups.
The Relay for Life is an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society dedicated to cancer victims, survivors, and those currently fighting the disease. It began at UChicago in May 2009 at Henry Crown gymnasium under guidance from the University’s own Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) branch. The CAC advocates three components in their goal to raise awareness about cancer: celebrating survivors, remembering those who succumbed to the disease, and fighting back.
All three components were on display in the McCormick Lounge last Wednesday with signs saying “Celebrate,” “Remember,” and “Fight Back” lined against the walls. Fourth year student Anasuya Kabad hosted the event, appearing between groups to talk about the event mission and logistics.
“Our goal is to raise awareness for the fight against cancer through physical activity, which we believe is a healthy way to approach the subject,” said Kabad. “We don’t want to just raise funds, we also want to promote a healthy lifestyle and increase their understanding of how cancer works and how you can fight against it.”
The concert featured old favorites like Voices in Your Head and newer groups like Women in Drag. From the Backstreet Boys to some smooth jazz, each group performed two songs from their repertoire. Some, like Rhythm and Jews, featured previously performed songs while others put their own spin on popular tunes.
The Relay for Life is scheduled for May again this year. But instead of taking place at Henry Crown like in previous years, the Relay is set to “go Stagg” at Stagg Field. Ever since it raised more than $37,000 its first year, the Relay has been growing in participants on campus, leading the Relay for Life team with high hopes for this year as well.
All photos taken by Johnny Hung