The Observer, February 8, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 16
Case Western to pick up baton for cancer research
While a lap around a track may feel like running nowhere, a few dozen laps around the Case Field track may help cancer research get somewhere.
On April 18, Case will be hosting its first-ever Relay For Life, an event held in cities nationwide to raise money for cancer awareness.
To promote the Relay, a kickoff event will be held next Friday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Thwing Atrium.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's (ACS) signature event at which teams of people take turns walking or running around a track in an effort to raise money that will be used toward cancer research, educational outreach programs ,and more. Each year more than 3.5 million people participate, and there are about 4800 communities holding Relay For Life events, according to relayforlife.org.
The ACS believes that participating in the Relay helps to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember those lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.
This is the first year that Case will be holding the event, but the Cleveland community is no stranger to the Relay For Life. Last year John Carroll University held their first Relay For Life and raised over $100,000. Alex Hamberger, a senior and the undergraduate chair on the planning team, says JCU's success is "truly inspiring and motivating for Case as we are in the planning stages for our first Relay." Hamberger believes that both universities holding a relay will enable them to reach the community that much better.
"Though the Relay is held at Case, it really is an event about community, so we hope to engage local businesses, schools, families, and national corporations headquartered in Cleveland," says Hamberger. Local contacts at the ACS have already gotten in touch with 150 local businesses.
This event has really been six years in the making, according to Hamberger. Liz Kiracofe, who graduated with the class of 2006 and is now attending the Case School of Medicine, has been the force behind this event. After participating in a Relay For Life in her hometown, she became very passionate about the event and even worked with the American Cancer Society. There are many other people involved in the planning of this event, including representatives from Student Activities, Housing and Residence Life, Greek Life, Athletics, Educational Enhancement Programs, and several graduate and undergraduate students.
Members of the planning committee are in need of people to help with all different aspects of the relay, including being a part of the planning team and helping at the Relay, and of course need as many people to participate in the Relay as possible. To get involved or for more information, e-mail Alex Hamberger at relay@case.edu.
