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SLU Relay for Life Charges up the SLU Community in a Fight Against Cancer

by Prisca Enedah on 04/18/2023

04/18/2023

Despite the tornado warnings and heavy downpours, the Billikens Against Cancer rallied at the Simon Recreation Center for the SLU Relay for Life event on Saturday, April 15.

SLU Relay for Life, a student-led effort, is the second-largest event held on campus every year in collaboration with the American Cancer Society to create awareness and raise donations towards cancer research. The event is supported by other student organizations like sororities and fraternities such as Sigma Chi and Alpha Delta Phi, who raise donations as a team and cook meals to support the event, and other associations like Camp Kesem and Micah Foundation, who join in raising funds and awareness to the cause.

The Simon Reccreation Center hosted the annual relay for life.

The Simon Recreation Center hosted the SLU Relay for Life event on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Photo by Prisca Enedah.

"This is our 20th anniversary, which makes it the 20th Relay for Life on SLU's campus,” said Grace Keanes, the Chairperson of the SLU Relay team. “It's all student-led with some advisors who help and support us for every event. It is a lot of work, but I enjoy it. Our advisors are great. Our executive board is great. My co-chair Kate Backes is amazing. It is inspiring to see this many people, especially students, committed to the cause."

Celebrating the Triumph Over Cancer

This year, the SLU Relay for Life team raised a total of $31,234.52, which will be donated to the American Cancer Society to support research geared toward finding a cure for cancer.

Senior Carly Fesler led the fundraising for Team Carly. Fesler lost grandparents to cancer and has since been motivated to kick cancer to the curb, she said. Raising a total of $2,056 in donations from friends and family, she emphasized that the key purpose of the event was to "Remember, Celebrate and Fight!"

"This is more than just fundraising; it's a celebration of survivors,” Fesler said. “We remember those who have passed away. We celebrate those who have survived and the caregivers of cancer survivors."

Despite the inclement weather, members of the SLU Relay team gathered at the indoor basketball court. The event began with the opening ceremony and survivor's dinner, followed by silent auctions and interactive activities such as bull riding and bounce castles. A pie-eating contest ensued almost immediately, with students gathered to crown the fastest pie-eater. 

Fighting Back Against Cancer

The event would not have been complete without hearing some survivors share their triumphant stories. Two survivors invited on stage were SLU sophomores Sabreesh Pitchumani Sundarraj and TJ King. Each shared emotional stories about surviving cancer and how support from loved ones can go a long way for people battling cancer.

 "Cancer is an evil disease that takes so much from you physically, so having your loved ones close is important throughout the journey,” Sabreesh said. “Whether they are caregivers or just friends who visit you in the hospital. I would not be here in front of you today if it wasn't for my mom, my dad, a couple of friends, and the nurses and doctors who supported me throughout my treatment."

Luminaria: Remembering the Lost

One memorable moment during the event was the luminaria, which involved placing candles in paper bags decorated with the names of loved ones who had lost the battle to cancer. Students held the candles in their hands and walked around while the names were spoken out loud in a heartfelt tribute in honor of their memory.

The event was a success, and a showcase of the University's core values as students and alumni worked together towards a higher purpose and a greater good, participants said. It was also an opportunity for Billikens to participate and make a meaningful contribution to the community. 

"SLU Relay for Life aligns with the University's mission and identity,” said Bill Boxdorfers, program coordinator for student life and advisor for SLU Relay for Life."Our students are recognizing and celebrating the survivors and building awareness around cancer. This has a great ripple effect on the SLU community, our local community and nationally."

SLU Relay Team Information

To get involved or for more information, add Relay for Life of Saint Louis University on Instagram @SLURelay, email slurelay@gmail.com, or visit SLU Relay For Life.