Kayla Thorsey

Feature Article
JOU206
One event combines teardrops and laughter at SUNY Plattsburgh on April 8.
All semester long, the Colleges Against Cancer SUNY Plattsburgh chapter has
worked to create Relay for Life. Eva Dziadula, a chapter public relations committee
member, said the American Cancer Society-sponsored club planned to make it the best
yet.
This year marks the 10th annual SUNY Plattsburgh Relay for Life, so the club
decided on a birthday theme to go with the American Cancer Society slogan; Each lap
gets us closer to a world with more birthdays.
I look forward to Relay every year, said TV-video production major Tessa
Hickey. Hickey hopes more students who are not involved in clubs or Greek
organizations participate this year.
Dziadula encourages students to participate as well. Its an opportunity to have
fun, raise awareness and shed some positive light on a bad situation, Dziadula said.
The chapter aims to raise $65,000 at this years event. Currently, the 53 teams
registered for Relay have raised $32,092.
All funds raised aid American Cancer Society programs such as Hope Lodge,
Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better and cancer research.
Senior public relations major and chapter public relations committee member
Jasmine Callis says the goal is reachable. Callis, along with other public relations
committee members, promoted the event and thinks teamwork is important to benefit
those affected by cancer.
A lot of great things are happening, said Callis, like performances from Dance
Corps and Platty Slack, hair cutting, tons of fun games and a luminaria ceremony.
The luminaria ceremony reminds students of loved ones and togetherness. The
luminaria ceremony is my favorite part. Its so emotional, said Hickey, Knowing the
people around you have gone through the same thing as you is intimate. Its reassuring to
know youre not alone.
Turnout matters. The more people who come to Relay, the more we can raise for
the American Cancer Society, said Dziadula, Were trying to get a high attendance.
Relay for Life has raised $5 billion worldwide, and the SUNY Plattsburgh chapter
hopes to contribute greatly.