Sacred Heart University’s Relay for Life club will be hosting their annual event Saturday, April 15 on the Upper Quad from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life is an event that is encouraged for all to attend, even those who are not students at SHU.
“Attending the Relay for Life event will mean helping hundreds of families who are suffering from the impacts of cancer whether that be financially or emotionally,” said junior and secretary of Relay for Life Carolina Lopez. “Coming to the event means helping a family get to and from treatments, it means helping a family with chemotherapy costs, it means changing a person’s life.”
The Relay for Life club has worked hard and diligently to plan this annual event each year. This year the event will include food, games, and giveaways.
Many members of this club have personally been affected by cancer. This club gives students a space where they can relate to and support others who have gone through the same experiences they have.
“My father William passed away from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, so Relay for Life has a special place in my heart,” said Lopez. “Growing up without my dad was incredibly tough, but now having this outlet on campus to talk to other people who can relate and to raise money for something so close to my heart was healing.”
The Relay for Life event not only remembers those who have passed from cancer but celebrates those who have survived.
Students at Sacred Heart University have recognized the importance of this event and are thrilled that they can be a part of it themselves.
“Having SHU host an annual event like this is incredible; it gives students the opportunity to show their love and support to those who have been affected by cancer,” senior Arianna Salafia said.
Senior Nicole Lemos agrees. “Having Sacred Heart host an event like this every year allows students and faculty to participate in raising awareness and money for a disease that in some way, shape, or form has impacted all of us,” said Lemos.
Relay for Life’s logo
Source: Instagram @relayforlife
Attending this event will help show the positive impact that Relay for Life has had on many people’s lives.
“I relay in honor of my father and his memory and for all of those who have someone currently fighting or someone who has lost their fight,” said Lopez. “I can’t even begin to explain how much Relay for Life means to me, but I can say without a doubt that it has helped me in more ways than I can count.”
If you are unable to attend the event but are still looking to honor a loved one, you can sign up to dedicate a luminaria in their name.
“Showing your support on April 15 will help us take one step closer towards our goal while supporting all of the survivors and healthcare workers that will be in attendance. It will also help us remember those we have lost in a way that unites us. I hope to see you all there,” said Lopez.
If you are looking to find out more information on how to register to be a part of the event April 15 or to donate you can visit @shu-relay4life on Instagram.
