Relay for Life Event Raises Almost $17,000

By Chelsea Einerwold
Staff Writer
Posted 4/28/09

The Field House in the UW-Superior Health and Wellness Center was full of walkers and a lot of hope April 24-25.

29 teams, consisting of four or more members, participated in the Relay for Life. The event was completely student initiated and run, and raised $16,900. Elissa Crowley, a member of the UWS chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, raised $930 of the grand total, the most of any other individual.

From Friday evening until early Saturday morning, the field house was littered with tables, information boards and tents. Each Relay for Life team had a designated area with a table and poster board offering information about a type of cancer. Most groups also had an element of fundraising which ranged from the sale of jewelry to a “jail” run by the “Cancer Cops.” Those who found themselves a prisoner in the jail had to come up with a few bucks for bail.

RaeAnn Johnson, a sophomore Art Therapy major from Superior said this was her first time relaying and she did it because she wanted to help and give back. She added that she was surprised to see such a great and diverse turnout.

“It’s crazy to see how many people are here, coming together for the same fight. It just shows that no matter who we are, we all have the same fears and hope for the same things,” she said.

Throughout the evening there were several fun and energy encouraging events. A fashion show, pie eating contest and a frozen t-shirt contest were some of the most popular activities. Music was played throughout the night, putting pep in the step of walkers.

The fun and games paused for 45 minutes around 10pm when attendees gathered to remember and honor victims of cancer at the Luminaria Ceremony. The observance included a speaker and live music, as well as moments of reflection on why Relay for Life occurs; to pause and remember those who have or had cancer, to muster the courage to fight cancer by promoting healthy living and medical screenings, and to continue to have hope for a cancer free world.

Hardijs Paradnieks, a senior majoring in Business was at the event with the World Student Association team.

“I was so surprised at all the people affected by it and all the different types of cancer,” said Paradnieks. He added that he came to support a good cause, even though he had a lot of studying to get done.

This was the fourth annual Relay for Life event at UWS, and the 25th anniversary of the very first Relay.

Photo: Michael Devane