The NSU 2012 Relay for Life Committee, a student-run philanthropy under the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, will host a kickoff celebration for the American Cancer Society on Jan. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Rosenthal Building, Room 200.
This event will allow students to learn more about the American Cancer Society, The Relay for Life event and what student organizations can do to get involved.
Michelle Fernandez, biology major and chairwoman of NSU’s 2012 Relay for Life at NSU, said Relay for Life is a fundraising event that honors and celebrates the lives of those affected by cancer. All the funding that NSU clubs and organizations raise benefit the American Cancer Society.
“The theme of this year’s Relay is ‘Superheroes’ so participating students and organizations are urged to theme their fundraising initiatives, their Relay activities, and their choice of clothing and/or costumes at official relay events, in accordance with the theme and are urged to have fun.” said Fernandez.
NSU’s 2012 Relay for Life will begin on April 13, at 6 p.m., and will end on April 14, at 6 a.m. The 12-hour event will include an opening and closing ceremony, survivor walks, student activities and a luminaria ceremony.
Lauren Adames, fundraising chairwoman of NSU Relay for Life, said, “I relay in memory of my grandmother who just lost her battle with cancer last year and for all of those who are currently battling cancer along with the families.”
Relay for Life also allows participants to see and understand the impact of their donation. Participants are able to interact with cancer survivors during survivor walks and celebrate and honor the lives that have been lost to and spared from cancer.
Fernandez said, “You get a real sense of the impact of the achievements of the American Cancer Society in the advancement of cancer research and development.”
Carisa Lippmann, medical school student at NSU, has lost family members to cancer. She said she is thankful for the event.
“I am excited to help in any way I can to alleviate suffering and work towards cures for different cancers. This is why I have—and will continue to—participate in NSU’s Relay for Life,” she said.
Fernandez urges those who would like to know more about Relay for Life or are interested in participating to attend the kick-off celebration.
“As a second-year participant on NSU’s Relay for Life Committee, I urge students to come out to the kickoff celebration and get a first-hand experience of what the committee has planned to elevate Relay at NSU,” she said.
