Students and community members gather around the sidewalk on the quad to celebrate survivors as they walk the first lap, officially kicking off Relay For Life on April 8. Photo: Donovan Lawson
Great things happen when the campus community gathers around a common cause. We saw an example of this community’s passion and hard work last weekend at Relay For Life.
Relay For Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The society spends funds on cancer research and lobbies to support a legislative agenda to end cancer.
OCU’s Relay raised more than $23,000 leading up to and during the 12-hour event Friday night through Saturday morning.
There were 193 participants on 18 teams who hosted various fundraisers on the quad such as bake sales, a dunk tank, and arts and crafts. Ten of the teams met the general team fundraising goal of $1,000.
Relay For Life did more than raise money for cancer research, though. At the event, four students donated their hair to be used in wigs for those who lose their hair due to cancer treatments. The event also raised awareness of cancer and informed attendees on how to be involved and supportive.
Especially during this busy time of the year, as we make plans for the summer and beyond, it is good that many students take time out of their schedules to support others. As we focus on ourselves and what each of us needs to do to finish the year, it can be easy to forget to take time to serve others.
When the campus community works together we can be a powerful force in the larger community. Teams also consisted of groups from off-campus like U.S. Grant High School, 5016 S. Pennsylvania Ave., and Everything Goes dance studio, 1721 N.W. 16th St.
Campuswide competitions like Homecoming and Spring Sing bring out the best in organizations by pushing us, but Relay For Life shows what can happen when we put that same energy we normally use to try to beat each other toward a common goal.
Thank you to everyone who made Relay For Life happen: the planning committee, team captains, and those who came out to support the event and display the best of OCU.
Editors note: Photo Editor Ali Wonderly is a co-chairwoman of the Relay For Life committee.
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