A Walk To Remember

"So many young people coming together on a Friday night, not to party, but to raise money and cancer awareness."

Story by Amanda Thompson

It is one of those rare occasions that can wholeheartedly bring campus and community together. Friends, families, and students will walk round and round the Plattsburgh Field House track until the wee hours of the morning for a common cause; to help find a cure for cancer. This might sound crazy, but each year the Relay for Life of SUNY Plattsburgh brings the community together and raises thousands of dollars.

The Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is hosted in thousands of cities throughout the country annually. The city of Plattsburgh Relay for Life normally occurs during June when classes are out of session. What is unique about the Relay for Life of SUNY Plattsburgh is that it provides an opportunity for college and community to work together and have a special interaction.

"Community businesses and students all come together to promote this wonderful cause and to help rid the world of this terrible disease."

It is rare to find a person who has not been affected by cancer. Megan Bridell, a junior at SUNY Plattsburgh, is currently the top individual fundraiser for the event. Bridell says "I’m raising money because I lost my grandmother to liver cancer last August. I want to raise money for her as well as for everyone else being affected by this disease."

Although this will be her first year taking part in the event, Bridell isn’t doing so alone. "My best friend recently lost her dad to cancer so we have decided to do it together. Having her go through it inspired me to raise money and support others who have lost people to cancer or survived cancer."

You can expect a night filled with emotion if you decide to participate. Luminaria, white paper bags filled with candles and decorated by loved ones, line the track in honor of those who have battled the disease. Bridell says she is most looking forward to seeing the turnout and all of the support of people who have been affected.

Cancer survivor Roberta Smith felt "So incredibly proud" when she attended the event in the spring of 2007. She said she was most moved by "Seeing so many young people coming together on a Friday night, not to party but to raise money and cancer awareness." It shows "…maturity and compassion for others, it was a moving experience."

"Having her go through it inspired me to raise money and support others who have lost people to cancer or survived cancer"

Having had breast cancer, Smith remarked, is a "Day to day struggle." It can be a frightening experience and as much as it was hard for her, she also said it was "very difficult for my friends and family." The Relay event gives an opportunity for those friends and family members, even those who have lost a loved one, to try and make a difference and put a stop to cancer.

On Friday March 27the at 6 pm the 2009 SUNY Plattsburgh Relay for Life will kick off at the SUNY Plattsburgh Field House. According to Alex Newman, campus Co-chair for the Relay for Life, this years’ goal is to raise 35,000 dollars and to have at least 600 participants. Thus far over 13,000 dollars has been raised.

As for getting the community involved with the campus, Newman remarked that even in these "Hard economic times…local stores are more than willing to donate goods, vouchers and money." The Relay for Life of SUNY Plattsburgh is an opportunity for "Community businesses and students all come together to promote this wonderful cause and to help rid the world of this terrible disease."

Do you plan on participating in the Relay for Life?