Relay for Life Makes Dickinson Debut
by MaryAlice Bitts
Dickinson College hosted the American Cancer Society'sRelay for Life fundraiser for the very first time this spring. It was an impressive debut. No less than 405 Dickinsonians collectively raised $42,605 to benefit the national nonprofit organization—a sum that was significantly higher than Dickinson organizers' original goal of $30,000.
Forty-six teams of volunteers camped out together and took turns walking or running around the Kline Athletic Center's indoor track. In keeping with national guidelines, a representative from each team was on the track at all times during the 12-hour, overnight event. Throughout the night, the volunteers enjoyed food, live bands, dodgeball, volleyball and other games and ceremonial events that included a luminaria ceremony in honor of those who have lost their lives to cancer as well as those who have survived it.
Darcy Phillips '11 was among these celebrated survivors. The 19-year-old Ohio native and political science major was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 10 and was treated with chemotherapy and surgery for more than two years. Today, she is cancer-free.
Having cancer changed my life. Because of the 3.5 million people who participate in Relay for Life across the world, it was a positive change.
Darcy Phillips '11
A member of the Dickinson College Relay for Life committee, Phillips was the top fundraiser at Dickinson, earning $4,510. Other top fundraisers include Swim Coach and Aquatics Director Paul Richards ($2,300), William Schroeder '12 ($1,305) and Relay for Life Publicity Chair Ursala Neuwirth '11 ($1.54.45).
The American Cancer Society will use the funds to help support cancer research, early detection, prevention education and patient care.
On her Relay for Life Web page, Neuwirth states that her mother—who underwent two surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant in her fight against cancer—inspired her to participate in the fundraiser. "I want those who experience cancer to receive support and benefit from legislation, research and programs developed to give them strength, both physically and emotionally," she writes.
There are many in need of this support. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 190 Pennsylvanians are diagnosed with cancer each day, and one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.
Speaking as one of them, Phillips says that Relay for Life makes a huge difference in the lives of patients, survivors and loved ones. "Having cancer changed my life. Because of the 3.5 million people who participate in Relay for Life across the world, it was a positive change," she says.
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Published April 30, 2008