Stevens students joined the fight against cancer with the first Relay for Life in Walker Gym this past Friday. Over 350 participants gathered to honor and remember those who have battled the disease, as well as raise donations throughout the night.
The Stevens swimming team dedicated all the time needed to bring the first Relay for Life to Stevens. “We started working on it during the summer last year and have met each week to prepare,” said Elena Piper, captain of the women’s swimming team. Everyone in the Stevens community had the option to host a table for the night, and the swim team itself had four dedicated teams. Many of 32 registered teams represented Greek life organizations and RSOs on campus. Senior swim captain Brittany Geyer noted, “We wanted to do community service and it’s something identifiable across the Stevens community.”
Greek Life contributed to most of the table activities. Delta Tau Delta raised over $1,100.00. “Cancer has affected lot of people in my life so it feels good to give back,” said Andrew Hengemuhle, Philanthropy Chair of DTD. Kappa Sigma was also represented, and Kappa Sig brother Dylan Perez stated, “It’s always nice to help out people and be active on campus.” Members of fraternities and sororities really recognized the value and rewards in giving back. Candice Craig, a Theta Phi Alpha sister, stated “It’s helping a great cause and I hope it continues for years to come.” Throughout the night, there was music provided by WCPR and games for donations. Some activities included face painting by Theta Phi and chemistry experiments by the Stevens chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. The variety of greek life, RSO, and athletic teams attracted over 350 participants. Participant Stephen Walter summed up the atmosphere of the event, stating “I feel honored and excited.”
Michelle Tom was invited to share a survivor story at the beginning of the night. Her struggle was a touching and inspiring one, proving the importance of this type of charity event. At least one member of each team walked around the track of Walker Gym throughout the night to represent the never ending fight against cancer. Alexandria Borrelli lead the Luminaria Ceremony, a Relay for Life tradition lighting the luminaria tribute bags. She stated, “This is a time for us to grieve for the people who we’ve lost, and it’s a time to reflect on how this disease has affected each of us personally.” Quackapella, Stevens’s a cappella group, performed “Firework” by Katy Perry. Shannon Pierce and Sawyer Coleman performed “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith – a truly touching and tearful song. After the two performances, Dan Norton, an undergraduate student of Stevens, shared his personal story of how ovarian cancer affected his mother and how all of the support their family received made a positive impact. Borrelli read the list of names of those who were being honored that night by tribute bags. The ceremony concluded with all participants taking a silent lap around the track.
Donations for Relay For Life of Stevens Institute of Technology currently total at over $20,000. The organization will still be accepting donations on their website until the end of August. There will also be a Relay For Life ice cream social and wrap up meeting on April 9, 2015 at 9 PM in Babbio.
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