For student organizers Trevor Simon and Richard Uluski, the third annual Relay for Life cancer charity event this weekend is more than walking around the Nott Memorial all night to raise funds. It's a way to pay tribute to relatives and friends lost to cancer and celebrate the lives of cancer survivors.
“This event is very meaningful to me, having lost people I loved to cancer” said Uluski.
Simon too has had cancer strike his family. One member, his grandmother, spoke at last year's Relay for Life at Union. “Our families are so proud of us, and we are proud to be organizing this event,” Simon said.
Both men, who are juniors, have been participating in the event since it began in 2003.
From 7 p.m. Friday May 20 until 7 a.m. Saturday, May 21 participants will run or walk the perimeter sidewalks around the Nott Memorial. Along with the walk, there will be food, performances (including an open mic session) and a luminary ceremony where cancer survivors and those who have lost loved ones to cancer can speak. Uluski called this “the most moving part of the night.”
The luminary ceremony will be Friday at 10 p.m. Performances will include Union's Garnet Mistrels and Dance Team. Fun events such as water balloon and pie eating contests are also planned to help keep everyone going through the night.
Thus far, more than 300 people have signed up to participate with many more expected to join in that night. Organizers hope to see 500 or more people stopping by to participate, including alumni and friends who are on campus for ReUnion. For $5, people may purchase luminaries, which will circle the Nott to honor or memorialize loved ones.
The Capital Region chapter of the American Cancer Society reports that Union's is one of the largest Relays in the area. Registration is continuous and even last minute “walk-ins” can sign up at the event. For more information on the Relay For Life, visit www.cancer.org.