Students need your help in the fight against cancer
Friday, April 14, 2006
STILLWATER, Oklahoma) — Oklahoma State University walkers go around-the-clock to fight
cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This celebration of life
brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified
effort to fight back. This year’s fundraising goal is $40,000.
Nikki Kerber and Justin Estus are just two great examples of students joining in
the fight against cancer. Nikki 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,” said Kerber.
“Sometimes you just run into those once in a lifetime opportunities. Without Relay
For Life, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Justin 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 had not been involved
in the campus event until last year. He just came to participate in the opening lap,
but ended up staying 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 for 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 is an emotional time
that sets the stage of 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 to remember those we have lost.
“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer
as it is a fundraiser,” said Kerber. “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,” said Justin
Estus. “Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors like Benchmark Construction and
Honda of Stillwater the money raised comes back to our community by directly benefiting
all of the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”
Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available
by contacting Kerber at (405)322-5076 or nikki.kerber@okstate.edu. For more information
about cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour help-line 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. To form a team or donate to the event, visit www.acsevents.org/okstaterelay.