College Life
A Record-Breaking Year for Harvard's Relay for Life
By Mackenzie Lowry
Summer 2009
In its seventh year, Harvard's All University Relay for Life shattered almost every record with 1300 participants, 128 teams, and over $125,000 of funds raised for the American Cancer Society's ground-breaking cancer education, awareness, and research.
Harvard Relay for Life Co-Director Jason Berkenfeld '11 said, "Harvard students made an unequivocal declaration of their willingness to continue the fight against cancer. The fact that we raised over $125,000 for cancer research at a time when many don't have much to give is a testament to how truly important this fight really is. In so many ways, it's the fight of our generation. I was amazed by the turnout—amazed by the number of students who came to support their family and friends—and was reminded yet again of the Harvard community's insatiable desire to do good in this world."
Relay was held on the evening of Friday, April 10 from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. and entertained student representation from Harvard, MIT, Wellesley, Babson, Northeastern-Lasell College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Simmons College.
Many people Relay in memory or in support of a loved one affected by cancer. Harvard Relay for Life Co-Director, Lacy Kline '09, said, "I Relay for my mother, who is a two-time breast cancer survivor. I have participated in Relay every year since her second diagnosis in 2000, and normally I am helping her run her Relay, as she is the director of the one in our hometown, but this year, she was a participant and honored survivor here at our Relay, and having her here made the event all the more meaningful for me. Not only did we far surpass our goals and expectations, but we also showed all of the survivors in our lives just how much we care, and, to me, that the most special part of this event."
Throughout the night, there was food, fun, and entertainment with corporate sponsorship from Harvard Tech Services, The Charles Hotel, Hong Kong Restaurant, The COOP, Staples, Pinnochio's, BGood Burgers, and Felipe's, as well as Fuze, Monster, and Rock Star energy drinks. Live bands performed as well as a DJ that kept the energy up throughout the night.
One of Relay for Life's most treasured events is the Luminaria ceremony, a time for participants to remember and honor those for whom they Relay. Luminarias themselves are small, white paper bags that are decorated and hold a light inside. After the Luminarias were placed to line the perimeter of the track, the lights were dimmed, the Harvard Dins sang, and the participants quietly thought of their loved ones. Relay team captain Andrea Koenker '11 said, "The best part of Relay is the Luminaria ceremony. It was amazingly beautiful and touching. My teammates all told me after that it was by far their favorite part about Relay and a really great way to honor those who have survived, passed away from, and are fighting cancer."
Getting involved in Relay for Life is becoming increasingly popular because it is easy, fast, fun, and for a great cause: a cancer-free tomorrow. Harvard Relay for Life Board member Chris Ding '12 said, "Relay For Life was one of the best experiences I've had so far as a Harvard freshman. It was really inspiring to see so many people from all over Boston come to participate in the event. I'm definitely looking forward to being a part of the All University Relay For Life for the rest of my years in college."
In the fall semester, Relay activities began with students registering and creating their teams (friends, blockmates, student group affiliates) – which is done quickly and easily online. Then, each team and each member get their own fundraising website, where they can ask friends and family to donate to their cause. Fundraising and team-building activities are held in the months leading up to the event. The actual Relay event takes place overnight in early April, where each team traditionally has one person (or more) on the track ("Relaying") throughout the night. After the event, further donations are accepted online through August, and then in the fall a new "Relay cycle" begins.
For more information or to make a donation please visit http://www.relayforlife/allu. To learn more about the American Cancer Society please visit http://www.cancer.org.
Additionally, applications to become a Board Member for Harvard's Relay for Life 2010 will be opened next fall. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Lacy Kline at lrlkine@fas.harvard.edu or Jason Berkenfeld at jqberken@fas.harvard.edu.
