Doing something positive, was the message received as students and faculty gathered on the second floor of the MSC to kick off the Relay for Life campaign Feb. 11 hosted by the Office of Special Programs and Cultural Series.
Relay for Life is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. According to a Relay for Life fact sheet, the event “is an overnight community celebration of life dedicated to present and former cancer patients.”
The actual event will be held on April 23-24 from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. at Blackshear Stadium.
The kick off started with a small introduction from event chairman Christian Smith. He spoke about his hopes for this event to grow as the date nears for the relay.
“Everybody has had someone that has been affected,” Smith said, as he continued to speak of the importance of the university’s involvement.
It also gave an opportunity for leukemia survivor, Emily Page along with Don Jenkins who is also a cancer survivor, to share their stories and encourage the attendees to participate.
Emily Page was only 22 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. She spoke of her disbelief and shock when with two weeks left to graduate, Page went under chemo and numerous treatments.
“We are not immune to this disease,” Page said.
She has been eight years without signs of the disease, and since then she has been an active member of Relay for Life.
“I wanted to be involved in my community,” Page said. “Relay for Life gave me a sense of accomplishment.”
Don Jenkins has been a cancer survivor for the past 18 years. He said that his daughter, who is a student at PVAMU, keeps him going.
“Everyone thinks cancer is a death sentence,” Jenkins said. “You can beat it and fight it. It’s a fight to overcome.”
He agreed with Page saying, “You don’t think it can happen.”
Students who attended the campaign were very excited and ready to help. Glenda Duru, a senior social work major and the event co-producer, said, “I am glad to be a part of the organization and benefiting those in need.”
Students like Nefertiti Boyd and Kim Murry came to show their support as well.
“Because I have a family member who has had cancer, I just want to come out and show my support,” said Murry, an early childhood education major and first time participant.
Boyd, a freshman majoring in communications and business, organized a Relay for Life event when she was in high school and said she was willing to help organize it here at the university.