Eastern Michigan University staff and faculty sacrificed
a night of sleep to raise more than $4,200 for the American
Cancer Society (ACS).
Approximately 20 staff and faculty participated in the
Second Annual Ypsilanti Relay for Life. The 24-hour team
relay event took place June 24-25 at Riverside Park.
"Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event for
the American Cancer Society," said Martha Costa, assistant
director, Competitive Edge Pro Shop and University Park.
Costa served as event chair and captain for Team EMU. "They're
all over the world, in almost every community."
 |
A WALK WITH PURPOSE: Eastern Michigan
University's Team participates in the
recent
Ypsilanti Relay for Life. The event,
which took
place in Riverside Park, raised
$29,000. Team EMU
raised more than
$4,200 for the American Cancer
Society
and captured the Best Team Spirit Award.
Photo by
Teri Papp
|
Ypsilanti's event raised $29,000, surpassing its goal
of $25,000. Team EMU was one of the top fundraisers, with
several of its members ranked in the top 10 individual
fundraisers. In addition, Team EMU won the Best Team Spirit
award.
"People were very enthusiastic and participated in all
of the activities during the day," said Costa. "I know
they'll be back next year."
Each relay event begins with a survivors' victory lap.
After that, at least one representative from each team
must be walking the track at all times during the 24-hour
period. The event included music, games, massages and stretch
programs.
One of the highlights of Relay for Life is the evening
luminary ceremony. Luminary bags are lit in memory of loved
ones who have lost their battle with cancer. Their names
are read while participants walk the track in an hour of
silence.
"The bags were hand-decorated, with some of them very
elaborate," said Costa. "It was a very moving experience."
Though the ceremony was somber, spirits were uplifted.
People may think it's a downer because of the subject
matter, but it's really not," said Costa. "There's a great
feeling of hope that permeates the entire park. Its encouraging
to hear living people share their stories of survival."
EMU has been involved with Relay for Life for 10 years.
The event used to take place at University Park, serving
Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and other neighboring communities.
Since then, the one relay has split into four separate
events. EMU and the University of Michigan each have their
own campus relays, and Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor each have
community relays.
"This was the first year the event was held at Riverside
Park," said Costa. "We were really thrilled to move the
event to historic Depot Town because Depot Town is the
heart of Ypsilanti."
Team EMU consists of staff, faculty and friends associated
with Eastern. The team used to compete in the campus event,
but joined the Ypsilanti event when it began last year.
Eastern's campus event took place in April, but was run
primarily by students.
"I felt it was really important to keep the team intact
and represent EMU in the Ypsilanti event," said Costa. "I
wanted to see the two communities come together for a common
cause."
In addition to raising funds, the Relay for Life
also serves as a way of educating the community about the
ACS's mission of research, education and advocacy. The
ACS provides information about cancer prevention, as well
as services, such as transportation to and from hospitals.
"My goal is to keep up that mission of reaching out to
the community," said Costa. "Most people don't know that,
if they get diagnosed, there are so many resources to help
them get through it."
In January 2007, Costa and the Relay for Life committee
will start planning next year's event. Committee members
will rely on this year's participants to tell others about
their Relay experience.
"It's a word-of-mouth event," said Costa. "I don't know
one person who has participated and not come back again.
It feels good to know that you are making a difference."
Anyone interested in participating in next year's Relay
for Life can contact Costa at 487-4204 or martha.costa@emich.edu.
Survivors on campus interested in any of ACS's services
can contact Julie Bernardi at ACS, 971-4300, or julie.bernardi@cancer.org.
