By KATE PIERCE
Executive Editor
The one wish that Colleges Against Cancer hopes for is a cure, a cause supported by a Relay for Life walk event to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
“Talking about those we love keep their memories alive,” said Veronica Sack, a member of the club who lost both of her parents and a grandmother to different types of cancer.
Student organizations and community groups organized teams in the theme of Doctor Seuss books to bring together a cohesive and engaging event.
“One in three will hear the words ‘you’ve got cancer, find a cure,’” said Hunter Hitchcock, the master of ceremony for the event, leading a chant for the crowd.
“Will you take the pledge with me, to make cancer history?”
Starting at 2 p.m. and continuing through 2 a.m., Relay for Life was a culmination of an entire year’s worth of fundraising by CAC. In the early hours of Saturday, April 28 the tally was held and the club counted a total of over $17 thousand raised. This amount stands to increase as donations will be accepted online through August.
“Everyone around you knows someone with cancer,” said Sarah Franzken, a co-Relay chair for CAC. “Sadly we are all united and impacted by cancer.”
Ceremonies were held throughout the night to honor survivors, caregivers, and the memories of those who lost their battles.
“You all know how Relay fulfills the values of our founders,” said Carolyn Stefanco, the president of the college. “All of you are caring for our neighbors today.”
Stefanco said that cancer has played a role in her entire tenure at Saint Rose. In 2014, Stefanco’s brother in-law was diagnosed with cancer. As her family lives in the northeast, Stefanco said that her position at the College has allowed her to visit with family in support of her brother-in-law’s battle.
“There is no cure in sight for my brother-in-law,” Stefanco said, emphasizing the importance of fundraising for the cause.
While Stefanco mentioned that she left her wallet behind on her way to the event, she would plan on making a “sizeable donation” to the support the Saint Rose chapter of the national fundraiser.
Activities like a whipped cream pie eating contest, limbo, and a scavenger hunt were held to keep people moving and involved as the night went on.
The event was originally planned to be held on the campus green, but a downpour of rain forced the event to be moved into the gymnasium.
“It wasn’t about the weather, it was about the cause,” said Sarah Franzken.
A signature feature of the event, student survivor and caregiver speakers, were still able to be held on a stage in the gym.
A survivor of childhood cancer and a member of the freshman class was one of the first speakers at the event.
“Positivity, love, and happiness,” said Tornatore. “With those three words you can conquer anything.”
Tornatore was diagnosed with cancer when she was six years old, and received chemotherapy five times a week. She was sick for a several years following her diagnosis, and eventually entered remission.
“What doesn’t kill you literally makes you stronger,” said Tornatore. “You are making a difference just by being here.”
Battling a variation of this incurable disease has enabled Tornatore to educate others, which she considers a privilege.
“We’re all here for a reason,” said Jenna Hopper, the president of CAC.
One speaker, an alum of the class of 2012 and former president of CAC, spoke about his family connection to cancer.
In October of 2010 Andrew Sober received a call from his parents, during which he found out that his father was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer.
“I was lost in my own mind,” Sober said, referencing the night he received the call and walked aimlessly around the quad. “I just found comfort in those campus lights.”
The following April, six months after receiving the phone call, Sober’s father passed away. Two weeks later Sober attended Relay for Life at Saint Rose.
“I felt suffocated and hopeless,” said Sober. With the support of his friends and family, he was able to participate in the event and honor his father’s memory.
The royalty of Relay, crowned late last semester, made up two separate teams at the event. Nikki Weiss, crowned Mrs. Relay, spoke about her mother’s diagnosis of stage one bladder cancer. The treatments her mother received made her heart weak, and eventually led to her passing.
“It’s okay to be weak, it’s okay to be tired,” said Weiss. “However, we cannot give up.”
Giving up is not in the cards for members of CAC, as they host educational programs for various types of cancer throughout the entire academic year.
“All of those events have led up to Relay for Life which the club has worked very hard to plan and it was a great success in celebrating survivors and fighting back against cancer,” said Mathew Vincent, advisor for CAC.
Relay for life is also the middle event of the “trifecta” of student activities held in a single weekend of April every year.
“It’s a nice way to end the semester,” sid Kayla Franzken, co-Relay chair with her twin sister. “Being involved with CAC last year made me want to get more involved.”
In between Identity’s drag show and Student Association’s Rose Rock, Relay is unique in it’s fund and awareness raising intentions.
“I think this trifecta shows we can come together as a community in many different aspects,” said Sarah Franzken.
From live music and light-hearted game to testimonials of cancer survivors and luminaria displays in memories of loved ones who have died without a cure – the event is a staple for the Saint Rose community.
“Tragedy can either harden your heart or open your eyes,” said Sober. “While we may be temporary our love is permanent.”
