All-night Relay for Life set May 7-8

Last year, 1,100 UD students, faculty, staff and community members on 100 Relay for Life teams raised more than $134,000 for the American Cancer Society, well exceeding the $100,000 goal.

4:15 p.m., April 26, 2005--The fourth annual UD Relay for Life is an annual event when the University community and others join together to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and education, while honoring survivors and those who lost the battle to the disease.

The American Cancer Society’s signature, all-night, fund-raising event, the Relay for Life will be begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 7, and conclude at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 8, at the Delaware Field House. This year the goal is $175,000.

Relay for Life started nationally in 1985, and UD came on board in 2002. Co-chairpersons for 2005 are juniors Katrina Salvatoriello and Michelle Meehan.

“We have worked hard with our committee to make this event a success,” Meehan said. “Anyone can participate and we have student organization, Greek organization, floors from residence halls, groups of friends, faculty and staff, as well as community members forming teams and participating. We have received a lot of support from residence life, and the Resident Student Association is hosting a charity ball to raise money.”

“Last year we had 1,100 participants, forming 100 teams of eight to 15 persons. This year we have an incredible 136 teams already registered, but individuals are welcome also,” Salvatoriello said. “Each team and participant is assigned a web page, accessed from [www.acsevents.org/ud], where they can receive donations and track their fund-raising.

“My family has been affected by cancer, and my mother is a survivor,” Salvatoriello said. “My family, including my mother’s sisters and their families, has formed a team of 12 for the relay, and I have been a participant in the relay since my freshman year.”

Cancer survivors kick off the event with the opening lap. At 9 p.m., a Ceremony of Hope is held. “Candle-lit white bags remembering and honoring those with cancer, with special messages to our loved ones are placed around the track to light our way during the night. It’s an extremely moving ceremony and a tribute to all who have been touched by cancer,” Salvatoriello said.

During the Relay for Life, participants in teams of eight to 15, walk around the track in the field house to signify the ongoing fight against cancer. There also is entertainment, with an appearance by UD mascot YoUDee and performances by UD a capella groups and local bands.

To make a donation, go to [www.acsevents.org/ud] or send a check made out to the American Cancer Society to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life-University of Delaware, Suite 205, 92 Read’s Way, New Castle, DE 19720.

Article by Sue Moncure

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