Beyond classes, homework, tests, work and free time, many charitable students also like to offer their time and abilities to events that help others.

One event that is held annually at MC is the 24 hour Relay for Life, which is hosted by the American Cancer Society. It is American Cancer Society’s signature activity and “brings together more than 3.5 million people in order to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease and to fight back,” according to relayforlife.org. This year, Relay for Life will be held on the track from Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. until Saturday, April 26, at 6 a.m.

Each year Manchester hosts the event and incorporates a theme into its activities. This year’s theme is movies. As teams sign up to help raise money, to help organize the event and also to be present during the relay, they choose which movie best characterizes their team.

  
Once the relay begins, each team is required to have one person walking on the track during all 24 hours of the event in order to represent that cancer never sleeps. Not only are MC students involved, but community members participate, along with cancer survivors who walk in the survivor lap. Luminaries are also sold before and during the relay to be lit in honor of those who have been taken by cancer. 

  
Activities, entertainment and food are provided during the actual event.  An added asset to this year’s entertainment will be a live band.  Many students get involved to help support a world-wide cause; others also get involved because they have experienced the reality of cancer.

  
“I have been involved with Relay since before I even came to Manchester,” said Lindsey Bryant, MC’s Relay for Life Chairperson. “Cancer runs in my family, so not only am I personally touched by cancer, but I see how others are affected by it. Even the smallest thing I can do to make a difference is rewarding.”

  
This year, many new organizations have decided to join the roster and participate in the charitable act. Groups such as the alumni team, the chemistry association, sports teams and additional faculty have stepped up and joined.

  
“The participation this year is better than previous with the additional teams joining,” Bryant said. “So hopefully, this will help expand next year’s event even more.”

  
So far, everything seems to be running smoothly. Fundraising is going well and is about the same rate as previous years. However, most of the donations come in the night of the event as people arrive and some even come afterwards all the way up through August.

  
“Much effort is put into planning and setting up Relay for Life,” Bryant said. “However, it is a lot of fun seeing it all come together and seeing everyone work together towards something that benefits many others.”

  
As many of the students and participants have realized, one person really can make a difference.

If any person or team is interested in signing up, they can contact Lindsey Bryant at labryant@spartans.manchester.edu.

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