Relay for Life Broadcast Script - Multimedia Project

Anchor OC Take SOT Super: Aaron Kinard Student, Cancer Survivor VOT Anchor OC

Cancer death rates are falling steadily, according to the American Cancer Society’s annual cancer statistics report. In South Carolina in 2009 had 22,100 new cancer cases. Winthrop University and residents of the Rock Hill area walked Friday, April 16, to raise money and awareness. The event allows people to celebrate the lives of people who have survived cancer and remember those who lost their fight. One Winthrop student and leukemia survivor, Aaron Kinard, participated in the event all night. SOT: Aaron Kinard :20 In: Relay for Life Out: expected it to be. The night started with 30 survivors walking the first lap around the track in the Survivors Lap. Later in the evening a Luminaria Ceremony begins once candles are lit inside bags lining the track. These bags have the names of people who have battled cancer and survived and those who lost their fight. Winthrop had 245 participants relay for the event and raised $21, 546.03. The next Relay for Life event will be May 1, at York Comprehensive High School.

Relay for Life News Story - Multimedia Project

245 participants, One cause

Winthrop University and Rock Hill residents relay in the fight against Cancer

Thirty survivors made the first lap around Winthrop’s Belk Track Friday, April 16. These 30 people had won their battle against cancer. The survivors lap is often an emotional one.

“My aunt has breast cancer and is in stage four, but watching the survivors make their lap gave me some hope,” said sophomore IMC major, Brittany Shelley.

Throughout the night 21 teams participated in the relay for 24-hours. Between the 245 participants in the Winthrop relay, $21,546 has been raised so far. Some of the nation’s top colleges include: Virginia Tech, UNC Chapel Hill, Northeastern University and University of Michigan.

When the sun went down, bags with candles inside that lined the track were lit. Lighting of the candles is part of the Luminaria Ceremony. is done in honor of those who have experienced cancer and to remember those who lost their battle.

“This was my first year participating in Relay for Life at Winthrop. It was a great feeling seeing everyone out there for one cause, it brought chills,” said freshman education major, Laura Cutchin. While students’ teammates walked the track, many took the time to spend time with each other playing games in the middle of the track.

Baskets with different items were auctioned off earlier that day in Dinkins for the event. The auction helped to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society is the largest private funder of cancer research in the US, according to Relayforlife.org.

“The American Cancer Society has done so much to help me through my treatment process and I know what Relay for Life can do to help them,” said sophomore business major, Amanda Blackwell. Blackwell is diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and raised $645 for the event.

Relay for Life Press Release - Multimedia Project

Winthrop University Department of Health and Wellness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Shanece Terrell

April 20, 2010 (803) 367-2295

terrells2@winthrop.edu

Winthrop students and residents of Rock Hill walk for 24-hours for the fight against Cancer.

ROCK HILL S.C. – From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Winthrop students and residents of Rock Hill will walk to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember those who lost their battle and fight against the disease. The Relay will be at the Winthrop Belk track Friday, April 16.

Participants are all part of a team that stays up all night walking or running around the track. The event is held all night to signify how cancer never sleeps.

“The silent lap allows me to reflect on how lucky I am. The event holds a special place in my heart because my grandfather passed away from lung cancer,” said Nathan Evers, a senior physical education major.

Luminary bags may be purchased in honor or remembrance of someone who fought cancer or lost against it. The bags will be lit once the sun goes down. The bags will have the names of those who have experienced cancer in some way.

Survivors are invited to participate for free and walk the first lap of the relay. Later in the evening a silent lap will be made to honor those who have passed away from cancer.

For further information visit: www.relayforlife.org/winthrop. There people may sign up for a team or make donations.