Team Captains Get Involved

KENNESAW, Ga.- College students gathered together in the fight against cancer for the first Relay for Life event for Kennesaw State University Friday on the campus green of the school.

Maegan Sturkie

Communications Student

Students from different clubs and organizations set up tents and campsites all around KSU’s Campus Green Friday to participate in the first Kennesaw Relay for Life. Students formed teams to walk for the twelve hourlong event and to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This was the first time Kennesaw State has had its own Relay for Life event. The closest Relay event before now was for all of Cobb County, rather than exclusive to students here on campus. The event had almost 500 participants on 32 different teams and raised almost $30,000.

Relay Comes to Kennesaw

Each year, Relay for Life hosts events all over the country to raise money, raise awareness, and honor those affected by cancer. The event includes a walk that continues for the twelve hour duration of the event, a Luminaria, to honor those affected by cancer, and a survivor walk. During the Luminaria, participants of the event purchase a luminary candle on which they write the name of their loved  one affected by cancer. 

This nationwide event coming to Kennesaw's campus is surely a sign of the school's rapid growth. "Allowing Kennesaw State to hold our own Relay for Life is not only great PR for the school but it supports a great cause, with this it shows the community that KSU wants to be involved and wants to fight the battle with everyone effected by cancer," said Olivia Rhodes, KSU student. Rhodes participated in the Cobb Relay events throughout high school and was one of many students excited to see an event happen just for KSU.

Team Captain America

Members of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority join in the fight against cancer with team Captain America at the 2012 Kennesaw Relay for Life.

Team Captains Get Involved

This year, groups of Greek organizations on campus came together and formed teams to participate in the event. One team captain was eager to share in her Relay for Life experience. “I have done Relay for Life every year for over 5 years. I have always done it with Cobb County at Jim Miller Park, but to actually have it on campus with a younger crowd I can relate to meant the world to me,” said Megan Herndon, captain of team Captain America. “Cancer is something that has affected almost everyone's life in some sort of way. For me being the team captain, and going out there with fellow students and faculty members that care about the same cause as I do meant so much. From the beginning of the opening ceremonies at seven pm with the survivor and caregiver walk I felt a personal connection with every Relayer there even if I did not know them. Laura Stewart, who is a part of the KSU Relay Committee that helped to set this whole thing up truly inspired me to Relay so much harder than I have before, because she is a survivor and has relapsed again and yet was still able to go out there and fight back against cancer brings hope to so many people who are fighting their battle right now, or who stand by loved ones that are fighting their battle. She is truly an amazing woman and dedicated KSU student that many should know. Relay for life to me is a way to honor all the loved ones in my family that I have lost, and have been lucky enough to spend more time with. It really brought tears to my eyes to be able to walk around the track on the KSU Campus Green with my DPHEI sorority sisters, other Greek life organizations and many other clubs on campus such as Ladies of Distinction, Invisible Children, and so many more. I met so many new people on campus and saw so many people from my classes that I never knew had suffered from losses of family to cancer, which brought on a more personal connection to my fellow students and me. From the Luminaria Ceremony at 10pm where we lit our candles and took a remembrance walk for our loved ones, to aerobics to stay awake at 5 o clock in the morning, it was a great turn out and I could not be more proud to go to school with these people.”

Students Speak Up

With the topic of the evening being something as serious as Cancer and those affected by it. Students not only enjoyed themselves, but left feeling touched by those who survived.  

“I thought it was an extremely moving experience! It was great to see so many KSU students come together to support those fighting cancer and those who have been affected by cancer. The silent lap was so emotional and heart felt. The candles lit up the night and KSU was not only seen, but felt by everyone in our community. It really was a very moving expierence and I am honored to say I was a part in it," said Amanda Ballouk, member of team Captain America.

Get Involved!

For more information on how to get involved with your local Relay for Life or to donate, please visit their website.