Students Strive for Cure

By Dustin Chavis

Students at Troy are joining together with a national organization in the hopes of finding a cure for cancer.

The reasoning behind each student’s conviction to the cause varies.

Amanda Ford, a senior broadcast journalism major from Birmingham, volunteers with the American Cancer Society to raise money for people suffering from cancer, but also fights for a cure for her own hero.

“I started out volunteering with Relay for Life in high school, but cancer is something that recently has hit closer to home,” Ford said. “My dad was diagnosed with throat cancer in December of 2012, had surgery in February of 2013 and finished his last radiation treatment in May of 2013.

“I am so passionate about Relay for Life because we are not only raising money for cancer research, but we are bringing hope to an entire community. With continued research and funding, I truly believe my generation will see a cure for cancer in our lifetime,” she said.

Relay for Life is the single largest fundraiser for the ACS and the biggest donor funding research for a cure, according to the ACS website.

In 2013, Troy University Relay for Life raised $18,500. This year, the committee has set a goal of $19,500 with hopes of surpassing that number.

“I am excited to see the Troy University community coming together to end the fight against cancer,” said Joy Brigham, Relay for Life Event Specialist. “I know that together we can all reach the goal we have made for this event and with the hard work that these students are putting in, I’m sure we will exceed that.”

“Volunteers are the main part of how we function,” said Jennifer Moore, a senior elementary education major and Troy University Relay for Life Committee President from Birmingham.

“We usually have 20 people that come and set up for the event, so this is another key part in why volunteers are important to this event,” Moore said.

Each year many organizations on campus collect money for ACS.

Organizations host spirit nights, sell prizes, and also set up competitions such as kickball to raise money.

Students, faculty members and supporters can also be part of the fight during the local Relay for Life event scheduled on March 22 at Tailgate Terrace. It will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 3 a.m.

As part of the night, there will be a remembrance walk to honor cancer survivors and those who lost their battle with the disease.

Luminaries, white bags with candles placed inside to light the walkway, are also available to purchase before or after the event. The bags are traditionally used in memory of a loved one or to honor a survivor.

Vendors will be on site selling food and drinks, including coffee, for those staying overnight. Games will also be available to those that wish to participate.

“It’s fun and exciting and you have that ‘ah ha’ moment where you feel blessed for all of the hard work you have put into raising money for such a great cause,” said Elizabeth Peyregne, a senior speech communications major from Ozark.

For more information on how to register a team for the event, or volunteer with Relay for Life, contact Troy Relay for Life on Facebook.