For the past 10 years, Rattlers have been dancing, walking and “relaying” for life. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life event kicks off at the Pete Griffin Track this Friday, April 6th at 6 p.m.
. FAMU is the only HBCU that partakes in this life-changing event, giving Rattlers the opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember the ones lost and fight against the disease. Campus organizations, local business and local organizations registered as teams where they give donations and take place in a non-competitive relay race.
At least one member from each team will walk the track throughout the night as a symbol of cancer that “never sleeps.” The event will last until 9 a.m on April 7th.
Senior, Courtney Leonard is the chair for FAMU Relay For Life. She is excited about this year’s event and hopes to reach the $30,000 goal. Leonard expressed that in addition to donations, recognizing the survivors and people we have lost is important.
“Because the event is about the survivors going through their journey, I am thankful to be in the position to give the campus this event along with the other chairs.”
According to American Cancer Society over two hundred thousand African Americans die from cancer each year.
Twenty-two-year-old cancer survivor, Saudia George, has been an active in different Relays throughout Florida for eight years. George currently serves as operations chair for FAMU Relay. A babysitter found a lump in George’s stomach at the age of three. After visiting four doctors, she was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a form of cancer. Four days before removing the tumor, her grandfather lost his life to lung cancer.
“Cancer is very big in African American communities so the campus needs to get involved,” says, George, “especially because FAMU is the only HBCU that has Relay For Life.”
Dance troupes, modeling troupes, and Greek organizations from the National Pan Hellenic Council are scheduled to perform. The night will consist of music, food, games and fun, all for a great cause.
Third year psychology student, Nyah Sandy from Saint Petersburg, Florida serves as the accounting chair for relay.
“I feel the event turn out is going to be really good,” says Sandy, “it has the possibility of being the best relay yet.”
Rattlers get ready to give hope, fight cancer, and make a difference.