Relay for Life
Brittany Benson
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: Campus News
More than 280 students and faculty members formed 26 teams and participated in Bridgewater State's first ever college-run Relay for Life on March 28 and 29. Throughout the night, participants took turns walking around the track which was lit by Luminaria Bags, representing the path towards hope for the future.
Students began entering the Tinsley Center as early as 4 o'clock that afternoon, sleeping bags in tow, eager to start setting up their group's campsite for the overnight event.
Diane Bell, Director of the Community Service Center, said, "I cannot express my gratitude for the outpouring of support from the entire student body, the faculty and staff that participated in this 15-hour event."
Relay for Life started off with the Survivor's Lap, celebrating the lives of those who have had cancer, whether they were currently in treatment or already in remission. Cheers could be heard throughout the gym as the 22 survivors participating completed the first lap, starting off the night.
"It was really moving to see so many survivors at Relay," said Brittany Zolt. "And I really enjoyed knowing that just by walking I was helping other people," she said, referring to the more than $27,000 that was raised during the event.
While walking, participants also got to listen to a local D.J., watch the dance team perform, and also hear an African drumming ensemble, all playing at various intervals throughout the evening.
Molly McEachern, a BSC junior and Relay for Life participant, said, "The entertainment alone was awesome and Relay for Life was just so much fun. I will definitely do it again next year. It was an event I was very happy to take part in."
While some students walked simply because Relay for Life supports a great cause, others attended because their lives have been affected by family members having cancer.
"I did the Relay for Life because cancer has impacted my family greatly. Many of my family members have been diagnosed with it, died from it and some have survived the disease," said Kendra Isaksen, a junior at Bridgewater.
Ryan Schoeb, a freshman, had never walked at a Relay for Life before, but says the event was truly a life-changing experience. He has had many family members who have been affected cancer and was grateful he was able to show support for them in such a big way.
"It's just great to see student's coming out and getting involved and showing that they care about philanthropic events," Schoeb said. "It kind of makes you stop and realize that there really are still a lot of good people in this world."
Students began entering the Tinsley Center as early as 4 o'clock that afternoon, sleeping bags in tow, eager to start setting up their group's campsite for the overnight event.
Diane Bell, Director of the Community Service Center, said, "I cannot express my gratitude for the outpouring of support from the entire student body, the faculty and staff that participated in this 15-hour event."
Relay for Life started off with the Survivor's Lap, celebrating the lives of those who have had cancer, whether they were currently in treatment or already in remission. Cheers could be heard throughout the gym as the 22 survivors participating completed the first lap, starting off the night.
"It was really moving to see so many survivors at Relay," said Brittany Zolt. "And I really enjoyed knowing that just by walking I was helping other people," she said, referring to the more than $27,000 that was raised during the event.
While walking, participants also got to listen to a local D.J., watch the dance team perform, and also hear an African drumming ensemble, all playing at various intervals throughout the evening.
Molly McEachern, a BSC junior and Relay for Life participant, said, "The entertainment alone was awesome and Relay for Life was just so much fun. I will definitely do it again next year. It was an event I was very happy to take part in."
While some students walked simply because Relay for Life supports a great cause, others attended because their lives have been affected by family members having cancer.
"I did the Relay for Life because cancer has impacted my family greatly. Many of my family members have been diagnosed with it, died from it and some have survived the disease," said Kendra Isaksen, a junior at Bridgewater.
Ryan Schoeb, a freshman, had never walked at a Relay for Life before, but says the event was truly a life-changing experience. He has had many family members who have been affected cancer and was grateful he was able to show support for them in such a big way.
"It's just great to see student's coming out and getting involved and showing that they care about philanthropic events," Schoeb said. "It kind of makes you stop and realize that there really are still a lot of good people in this world."
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