Students and Faculty in B.L. Perry Room 101 Photo by JhaRonte James
Students and faculty gathered in B.L. Perry to make teams and walk cancer down for the annual Relay for Life at FAMU Robert Pete Griffin Track April 17, 6 p.m.- 6 a.m..
Several students, who represented the various schools and organizations on campus, came to register their team for this year’s fundraiser.
Jacoria Borders, a senior health science student from Marianna, Fla., gave a spirited opening to address the occasion. Borders announced the campaign theme, “Shut Up and Serve.”
“We’re going to challenge the students. Anyone can say what they’re going to do, shut up and serve,” said Borders.
This year’s Relay for Life campaign will target community service and what the students can do to help the fight against cancer in the community.
The team that raises the most money will recieve a grand prize package. The winner will be named the organization that “runs the yard” for a year, free organization T-shirts, free seating at any non-paid Homecoming event, a six-foot trophy and their name on a plaque in the Office of Student Affairs.
All organizations that participate were encouraged to donate at least $100.
Student body president, Tonnette Graham, shared why the relay means so much to her. Graham’s mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.
“On Feb. 4 we celebrated a year of my mom’s cancer being in remission since 2006. That is why I relay,” Graham said. “That is why the American Cancer Society is important to me.”
Rachel Sutz Pienta, senior market manger at American Cancer Society, noted the importance of FAMU and its contributions to cancer research since the event has been hosted by the university in 2002.
“Florida A&M University is a vital part of our partnership and work in the Tallahassee market,” Pienta said.
Florida A&M is the only HBCU left that holds a Relay for Life. The relay is the world’s largest fund raising event. This year marks 30 years since the event began in 1985.
For more information about the American Cancer Society Relay for Life visit: http://www.relayforlife.org