Join the Fight Against Cancer: Pitt-Greensburg’s Relay for Life Event

If you are looking for an opportunity to donate to a good cause in a fun way, then joining Pitt-Greensburg’s Relay for Life might be just what you are looking for. 

A national and annual event, the Relay for Life takes place in the Chambers Hall gymnasium on Friday, April 4 from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. 

Charity is the main focus of the relay, as all of the proceedings go directly to the American Cancer Society, the organization who founded the event. The Pitt-Greensburg campus began their branch of Relay for Life about nine years ago. 

According to Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life Brian Root, it has been consistently maintained through pure volunteer work.

“We started this event when two of our community assistants approached me about wanting to start a Relay for Life. The event continues thanks to a group of volunteers,” Root said.

Among this group of volunteers are people of various backgrounds from all around campus. This primarily includes students, but it also includes many faculty and staff members and Pitt-Greensburg alumni. The Pitt-Greensburg Student Government Association is one of the groups that plan and coordinate the event. 

House Speaker Matthew Miscio contributed ideas for fun activities for people to participate in during the relay.

“I took a poll at an SGA meeting a few weeks ago and ran off the list of activities for everyone to vote on. Out of all the ones I listed, they seemed to like the idea of line dancing the most. So then I brought it up to the committee and they were all on board with it,” Miscio said.

Aside from line dancing, activities such as a trivia game and a luminaria candle walk will be held during the relay as well. Of course, as the name of the event suggests, the relay itself will continue throughout the evening. 

Anyone wishing to participate in the relay must form a team of friends and colleagues. Each team member will alternate in taking turns walking along the track during the entire event. These teams can include anyone who wants to participate, regardless if they are Pitt alumni or not.

“The event is open to the community but primarily attended by students, faculty, and staff. We invite everyone and anyone to attend,” Root said.

If you would like to donate to the American Cancer Society or join the Relay for Life on April 4, the link can be found here.