MARCH 30, 2009 – Annually, Relay for Life unites entire communities across the nation to participate in raising funds for and awareness of cancer. Because the disease has in some way impacted nearly every individual or family, Pfeiffer University will again join the fight against cancer by hosting its annual 12-hour Relay for Life event, from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday, April 24-25.
Whether it’s a family member, a neighbor or a friend, any individual can share a story about how the disease has affected them or someone they know. Dozens of these stories will be celebrated during Pfeiffer’s Relay for Life. During the event, teams of people will lace up their sneakers and spend a fun-filled overnight experience walking or running laps around the circular drive on the front campus adjacent to the Administration Building (facing Highway 52N). This year’s goal is $13,000.
The night’s activities will begin at 5 p.m. on April 24 with a cancer survivors’ lap. All survivors are encouraged to attend and participate. The evening will feature entertainment all night including music, mechanical bull rides, lots of food, games, dancing and much more. A balloon release and Lighting of the Luminaries ceremony will begin after nightfall. During the luminary ceremony, candles will be lit around the track in memory and in honor of individuals who have had cancer or are cancer survivors. The public is invited to attend and participate.
Relay for Life is an international event that raises money to aid the American Cancer Society, one of the largest sources of private, not-for-profit cancer research funds in the United States. The event also promotes cancer awareness, education and other programs. But Relay for Life is much more than just a walk and fundraiser, according to Dr. Tim Coley, vice president for student development at Pfeiffer.
“The Relay for Life, which is a 12-hour team-oriented walking event, demonstrates our commitment to staying awake and walking to raise money for cancer research. It is also a time and place where people come to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against a disease that touches too many lives,” Coley said. “Relay has become a strong tradition at Pfeiffer and is another way to outwardly demonstrate the university’s commitment to servant leadership.”
Pfeiffer student Najja Moon, who serves as chair of this year’s event, agrees.
“Cancer is a killer that knows no boundaries. Gender, race, age, religion – none of these are factors when this disease strikes,” said Moon, a senior communications and art major from Durham, N.C. “During this walk, we will celebrate our survivors, remember our loved ones lost, and fight back against cancer.”
For additional information about the event, contact Dr. Tim Coley at tim.coley@pfeiffer.edu or (704) 463-3401.
Established in 1885, Pfeiffer University is a comprehensive United Methodist-related university, with multiple campuses, including Misenheimer, Charlotte and the Triangle, committed to educational excellence, service and scholarship. Visit Pfeiffer online at www.pfeiffer.edu.