Every year, hundreds of Tufts students forgo a typical Friday night and come together to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life is a 12−hour overnight event held to celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer and to unite a community in the fight against cancer. As members of the Tufts Relay for Life Committee, we want to remind you why Relay For Life is so important. Below are the stories of your fellow Jumbos on why they Relay. Their names have been withheld to protect their privacy. Sophomore: "Ever since I began doing Relay four years ago, I have never left the event without being inspired by the commitment and the stories of those around me. Since that time, I have lost friends and family members to cancer, long before they should have left us. But Relay remains a part of my life, and I know that I honor their spirit by returning until the day that it's no longer necessary." Sophomore: "I Relay because my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in sixth grade, and she survived. She did as much as she could to hide her suffering from me and my three siblings and keep our lives normal, never letting us get scared, and she never once wavered as a great mother throughout her radiation and chemotherapy or during her years of painful medication afterward. She has since run two marathons, and her strength and selflessness inspire me every day. I Relay to honor her and all the other mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, etc. who have survived cancer or have not been so fortunate." Senior: "I Relay because when I was 15 my dad died of bladder cancer. My dad was one of the most upbeat and positive people I have ever known, and throughout his treatment he continued to look on the bright side of life. I try to model myself after that outlook, celebrating his life and doing as much as I can to make sure no one has to suffer like he did. I Relay so no one has to watch his or her parent die and wish his or her loved one was around to go through life with them. I find Relay for Life to be one of the best things to help me heal and honor my dad's life, which is why I continue to do it, year after year." Sophomore: "I Relay because I lost my grandfather to cancer, and I never want anyone else to have to lose a special person the way I did. I Relay because I never want to see a family torn up in sorrow like mine was. I Relay because I want to help the victims of cancer. I Relay because I want to make a difference." Sophomore: "I Relay for my grandfather. After a life of surviving hardships — he was interned in a Japanese−American internment camp as a young man and then served in World War II — his strong will was finally overcome by lung cancer. I was never able to hear his stories, because for much of the 16 years he fought cancer he was not able to speak. I Relay to honor his fighting spirit and to help ensure that no one has to lose a battle with cancer." Senior: "My grandmother died of breast cancer at age 35 leaving my 12−year−old dad without a mom. He will never forget being in summer camp on that July 3 when my grandfather drove up to bring him home for the funeral. I Relay so that no child has to endure this kind of news and spend a lifetime of Fourth of Julys mourning the death of his or her mother." Senior: "I started Relaying six years ago in honor of my cousin Sarah ,who lost her life to brain cancer. She died when she was just 12 years old, and I was never able to know her. I Relay in her honor so that all young people can meet their cousins, sisters, brothers, parents and grandparents. Since I started Relaying, I have met countless incredible cancer survivors, many of them Tufts students. Getting to know these classmates has inspired me to continue Relaying, both in celebration of their lives and in remembrance of my cousin Sarah. Relay For Life is an incredible community experience that brings the Tufts community together to celebrate survivors, remember those we've lost and fight back against cancer."
Tomorrow from 8 to 10 p.m. in Hotung Café marks the kickoff of Tufts Relay For Life. Come listen to the Jackson Jills and sophomore soloist Katja Torres, watch La Salsa, eat free food and sign up for Relay, which will be held April 15, 2011.
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Rachel Winnall is a senior majoring in International Relations. She is a chair of a subcommittee of the Tufts Relay for Life Committee. Kate Carpenito is a senior majoring in International Relations. She is a chair of the Tufts Relay for Life Committee.
