Campus, community relay for cancer research

Sophomore David Baumwoll first decided to become involved in the fight against cancer when his best friend was diagnosed with the disease. Soon after, he founded a chapter of the Student Movement Against Cancer (SMAC) at his high school in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. This year, through SMAC, Baumwoll began the Tufts Relay for Life -- a chance to raise awareness and money for cancer research in the Tufts community.

The Relay for Life is an 18-hour walk that will raise money for cancer while heightening awareness of the broad issues surrounding the disease. It will take place for the first time at Tufts on April 23, at 6 p.m., and will continue until noon the next day.

"We hope that the Relay for Life will give the entire Tufts community the opportunity to share in an event that will essentially be a big party in the Gantcher Center while doing something meaningful at the same time," Baumwoll said.

The walk consists of teams of 8 to 15 people, and each team must have at least one member of their team walking at all times. In the weeks leading up to the walk, participants will find sponsors to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Although the Relay is a new event, involvement and interest at Tufts is steadily growing. According to sophomore co-coordinator Craig Kelly, the Tufts chapter of Relay for Life is currently the number two grossing college relay in the nation, out of the approximately four hundred colleges that are participating. Already, 225 students are involved in the walk and coordinators hope to double that number by the time of the event.

Students have decided to get involved with the Relay for Life for a variety of reasons.

"I just hope to raise a lot of money for a good cause and if that helps people to get help or get cured of cancer, then I have accomplished something," junior Michelle Engleson said.

Meg Bentley, a sophomore R.A. in Wren Hall, was attracted to the walk because she saw it as a chance to bond with her residents. "Spending time with people for almost twenty-four hours for one cause makes it more meaningful than spending an hour just fundraising," she said.

Campus groups, including the Greek system, have taken a strong interest in the cause. "The Greek houses are all getting involved," Kelly said. "We currently have six Greek teams and have heard interest from multiple others." In addition, a number of athletic teams have expressed a desire to participate.

Students that are not members of any group are encouraged to participate as well. Kelly said that "most teams consist purely of a group of friends committed to fighting cancer and having the time of their lives in the process."

The coordinators also hope to broaden participation in the program to the communities of Medford and Somerville. Advertising in the area and raising awareness of the program outside of Tufts, however, has been one of the major obstacles in coordinating the Relay.

"We expect only limited participation from [Medford and Somerville] this year," Kelly said. He is confident, however, that "as our reputation grows and more people in the surrounding communities hear about Relay, we are sure to have greater participation from them."

Whatever future years may bring, students currently involved are excited and energized about the cause. "[Relay for Life] grants us the unique opportunity to both celebrate the living and honor those who have lost their battle with cancer," Baumwoll said.

Meg Bentley shares his enthusiasm. "When you find a good cause you should fight for it; sometimes it's hard to fight the true, real causes," she said.

For more information and to get involved go to www.acsevents.org/relay/matufts.