Compared to last year at this time, Ohio University students participating in Relay for Life have raised more money to fight cancer, but still have a ways to go before reaching their ultimate goal of $66,000.
Thus far, $8,824 has been raised compared to $8,428 in 2011, said Hilary Patrick, a representative from the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life is OU’s largest student-run fundraiser, with a mission to raise money for the American Cancer Society and ultimately find a cure for cancer.
For the second year, OU’s Relay efforts will be co-run by seniors Natalie Meyers and Courtney Bailey.
“We are searching for a cure for a disease that takes so many lives,” Bailey said. “Almost everyone can relate to the cause in some way.”
This year’s event will take place on May 11 at Pruitt Field beginning at 5 p.m. OU students, faculty and any other interested parties are welcome to attend.
“One common misconception about the relay is that it requires actual running,” Meyers said. “You actually don’t have to run at all.”
Meyers and Bailey said that other relay activities include performances by Dave Rave and Burning River Ramblers as well as an appearance by Ryan Lombardi, OU’s dean of students.
There are also many events taking place before the 2012 relay.
All are welcome to write letters to cancer patients in Baker 230 with other relay participants at 6 p.m. on April 10. Other upcoming events include a children’s toy drive, a fundraiser during Mom’s weekend, and the traditional human wish night that takes place the night before the relay.
“We usually raise around $50,000 or $60,000 total,” Patrick said.
In 2011, Ohio University’s relay raised $53,956.
This year, 45 teams are registered with 268 participants, Meyers said.
Meyers and Bailey credit this year’s early success to strong advertising, contacts, and a definite location.
bl171210@ohio.edu
