Students need your help in the fight against cancer

Friday, April 14, 2006

Oklahoma State University walkers fight cancer around the clock during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. 

This celebration of life brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together in a unified effort to fight back. This year’s fundraising goal is $40,000.
       
Nikki Kerber and Justin Estus are two great examples of students joining the fight against cancer. Kerber is the 2006 event chair and got involved last year because she lost her sister to cancer. She simply saw a notice for a meeting and decided to attend. After helping with team recruitment in 2005, she was asked to be the chairman for the 2006 event. 

“I was just in the right place at the right time,” Kerber said. “Sometimes you just run into those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Without Relay For Life, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
       
Estus is a cancer survivor who participated in an ice cream social before the 2005 event. He had always been involved in the Stillwater community but not in the campus event until last year. He just came to participate in the opening lap but stayed all night to help the committee. Because of his enthusiasm, he was asked to chair the 2006 survivor committee. 

“Justin has been a tremendous inspiration to the entire committee. His dedication and passion have inspired all of us,” said Lauren Hall, American Cancer Society staff partner.
       
Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at Droke Track for an overnight Relay against Cancer from 7 p.m. on April 28 until 7 a.m. on April 29.
         
Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life — including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches, and community volunteers — to join together to fight cancer. Relay For Life reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.
       
Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) walk or use a wheelchair to complete the first lap. This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere develops around the track. As walkers make new friends and spend time with old ones, the relay heats up, and the camp-out begins. 

An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other: eating, playing games, and, of course, walking for a great cause. Highlighting the evening is the luminaria ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and remember those we lost.
           
“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” Kerber said. “Many of the participants have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment.”
         
“The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients,” Estus said. “Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors like Benchmark Construction and Honda of Stillwater, the money raised will go back to our community by directly benefiting all of the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”

Contact Kerber at 405-322-5076 for information about forming a team or becoming involved in Relay For Life. For more information about cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour helpline at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

All cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to walk in the opening lap. This year’s event has 29 teams from different student groups and organizations. The event is still accepting teams.