Written by Kaylee Beth Swayne
Several hundred Harding University students gathered on Friday, Oct. 2, for an all-night relay raising awareness for the American Cancer Society.
Everyone was gathered around the track as the cancer survivors walked a victory lap to signify their battle of beating the disease and beginning Relay for Life. All the participants lined the track and cheered them on as they walked side by side with their families following closely behind.
There were many social clubs representing different themes of the ‘90s. Each club’s booth had different things to sell, raising money for cancer research. There were activities going on all night trying to keep people motivated to keep walking the track. One club raised money by putting members in a dunking booth.
Every social club joined together to support this one cause, despite different club loyalties. There had to be at least one person per club walking the track at all times and most people walked in pairs or as a whole club.
“I loved getting to walk side by side with me JGJ girls in something of significance,” Emily Sansom, Ju Go Ju service project director, said.
Everyone gathered around the stage at 10:30 p.m. to listen to the Good News Singers perform and to watch the lighting of the luminary ceremony. They were lit to honor the memory and admire the strength of those that have been victims of cancer. The luminaries spelled out hope signifying the battle is not over.
“The best part was watching the ceremony and listening to the singers,” said Amanda Herren, a participant in the relay. “It reinforced that God is still in control.”
Each booth had a different sub-theme that stayed true to the overall theme. Some sold food, some sold t-shirts, and others sponsored activities, giving all the money away. Prizes were awarded to the most creative and most spirited groups.
This is only the first year the university has put on this event, but Whitney Booth, Harding Chairmen of Relay for Life, says it will not be the last. There were so many participants who stayed the whole night, camping out and taking turns walking the track.
“I like that I will be able to look back and say that I was a part of the group who was involved in that first of many relays to come,” said Sansom.
She, as well as many other students enjoyed this opportunity to participate in Harding’s first Relay for Life. They are already looking ahead to next year, and anticipating the best. Booth stated that even though there are many kinks to work out, next year will be even bigger and better.
Click here to watch a video highlighting sights and sounds of the Relay for Life event.
