Gannon University celebrated their annual Relay for Life Friday at the Recreation and Wellness Center. The day featured 12 hours of sponsored walking among friends, colleagues and peers, not only for cancer survivors, but those who have been touched by cancer in any shape or form.
This year’s theme was superheroes, and “Saving the World, One Cure at a Time” was the motto. That is truly what the Mission of the American Cancer Society is all about. Michelle Ducharme, a member of the ACS was on-hand at the opening ceremony to speak about some of the resources available to people struggling with cancer.
“You are a superhero, and you have a superpower,” Ducharme said, speaking about the 1-800 number for cancer patients to reach out to. “If you are struggling, there is someone you can talk to.”
The event officially registered 21 teams and 329 participants, raising over $15,000 dollars, surpassing their amount from last year.
Many participants to the event were cancer survivors, and 5 p.m. featured a lap around the gym in honor of and featuring cancer survivors.
Keith Taylor, Ph.D., Gannon University president, was also at the event, getting pied with whipped cream to raise money for cancer research, and also gave a pep talk to participants while he was there.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do to beat this,” Taylor said during his speech. “You being here is starting us down that path.”
All in all, the event was a huge success, and there is no doubt amongst any participants or planners that it will be back next year.
TOM BARTON
