Pace Paw Print

In recent years, cancer has maintained its position as the number two cause of death among men and women. The American Cancer Society research has shown that hundreds of thousands of deaths occurred in 2006 alone, some of which could have been prevented.

Since the 1980's, the American Cancer Society and others have organized various fundraisers including Relay for Life to support the fight against cancer and to celebrate all the cancer survivors.

Relay for Life began in the 1980's when Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to run and walk around the track of the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for 24 hours. In that time, Klatt ran 83 miles and raised $27,000. Klatt was able to persuade his friends to pay $25 and run alongside him for his effort.

Two years later, Klatt's movement encouraged others across the country to participate, and 19 teams began running for a 24 hour time period. The goal at hand: to keep at least one member of the team on the track at all times while remembering all those affected by cancer. In addition, raising money for research and treatment was kept in mind.

In addition to the walk, a Ceremony of Hope is conducted. The Ceremony of Hope involves the use of lighted bags known as luminaria. While members are making their laps, lights are dimmed and the luminaria bags glow.

Each luminaria bag has an important meaning to its owner. Individuals or teams can purchase luminaria bags in celebration of those who have survived cancer or those battling the disease. Each bag symbolizes a special person that the individual chooses to honor.

Unsurprisingly, Pace University supports this cause. On April 25 at five pm until April 26, 2008 at eight am, members of the Pace community and others are invited to participate in the event that will be held in Goldstein Fitness Center.

In order to participate, students simply have to sign up. Students have the option of creating teams, joining existing teams, joining as an individual, or even volunteering. Team captains are responsible for recruiting people to walk or run on their team. Together, students and community members work together to make donations that will benefit cancer survivors and fighters.

As of Feb. 4, the Pace community has gathered 98 participants, 25 teams, and has raised $5,380. The top five teams at Pace University include Team Vinci, Pace University Library, Delta Epsilon, SDCA, and E2L. Collectively, they have raised $4,440.

The top five participants include Kerry DiSalvo, Medaline Philbert, Guy Rella, Lizamarie Campoamor, and Eryk Hubbard. All in all, their contributions have already made a difference in research conducted or in the lives of those who need it the most.

To get involved, visit Pace University's online Relay for Life website at www.events.cancer.org/rflpaceuniversityny or contact John Agnelli at relayforlife@pace.edu.

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