Pitt-Greensburg to Host 2nd Annual RELAY FOR LIFE

On Friday, Jan. 12, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg kicked off their second annual Relay For Life in Village Hall.  This event featured fundraising opportunities, information on how to register your team, a chance to meet the Relay planning committee, and a chance to provide ideas about this year’s event.

Brandin Adams, a member of the Relay committee, said he joined Relay For Life because, “the event is all about cancer survivors, but it is also about those who are affect by cancer such as family members and close friends.”

By volunteering for this event it lets those affected by cancer know, “nobody is forgotten.”

Relay For Life is a community based fundraiser event of the American Cancer Society.  It is a time where the community can come together to remember loved ones, honor cancer survivors, and raise money to make a global impact on cancer.

Over half of the students on the planning committee have personal reasons for why they volunteer to fight cancer. But that does not mean you need a personal reason to join.

According to Brian Root, assistant director of housing & residence life, “anyone can join. Even people who are not part of the Pitt community can join.”

Pitt-Greensburg has a local American Cancer Society representative, Katie Ronald, who helps plan the Relay For Life.

She says, “For every dollar we earn, 78 cents is sent to research. Research money can help pay for a person’s life saving treatment.”

Relay For Life started in 1985, when colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, wanted to raise awareness of cancer and boost the income of his local cancer charity. He walked around a track for 24 hours and raised over 27,000 dollars. He proved that one person really can make a difference. Since then, people started following Klatt’s example. It is now celebrated by over 4 million people in over 20 countries.

“Last year we had a goal to raise $5,000. We ended up raising almost double that. We raised about $11,000 altogether.” Brandin Adams said.

Brian followed this by saying, “We want to reach $12,000 this year. But we can’t do it without the help of people like you.”

The day the Relay will start is Saturday, March 17, from noon to 8 p.m., in Chambers Hall Gym. Registration for the event is open. Students can register themselves and their team at http://bit.ly/UPGRelay.