Holy Cross to Host Relay for Life

Student leaders to shave their heads to raise money and awareness for cancer

On Friday, April 26, the College of the Holy Cross community will participate in Relay For Life, a fundraising and awareness event sponsored by the American Cancer Society with the intention of fighting against cancer. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in Kimball Dining Hall and will continue in the Field House at 7 p.m. until 2 a.m., where more than 200 participants will participate in solidarity with those impacted by the disease.

The relay is separated into three ceremonies: celebrate, remember, and fight back. The first includes a survivor’s walk and the second involves a luminaria ceremony, in which luminaria bags are lit in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer. The event will also include Shave the Brave, which will take place at 8 p.m. in the Field House. During this fundraising event, student leaders from across campus will raise money and seek pledges before shaving their heads, to stand in solidarity with those fighting the disease. While student teams walk the Field House track, there will also be activities including a photo booth and airbrush art, hypnotists, a cappella performances, refreshments, and raffles.

“My biggest hope for the event is that a large majority of the campus comes to support this cause,” says Jacqueline Smith ’15, student organizer. “It's hard to express in words the impact the Relay can have on a person until you're at the event. I hope that students, faculty, and friends come and rejuvenate their hope for something better.”

Last year, the College’s Relay for Life efforts raised more than $10,000, and this year, they hope to double that total, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. “Cancer is a tough subject to talk about, but the Relay brings about an atmosphere where you don't need to be afraid to speak of your experiences,” explains Smith.

For more information visit www.relayforlife.org/holycrossma.