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.
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