Event Chair Madison Aleska could not have put in more perfectly when thinking about his experience with Relay for Life, “Relay for Life has become synonymous with hope and healing.” Relay for Life is one of the biggest events at Boston College that draws in hundreds of students, locals, and survivors. It is a special night in which we remember and honor those who fight cancer while supporting the American Cancer Society with their mission to fight cancer, support those fighting, and aid in the research for cures. It was recently announced that the American Cancer Society now saves 400 lives a day and this is made possible partially because of the great participants in Relay for Life.
Event Chair Madison Aleska, BC ’13
So does this great and moving event full of performances, food, raffles, games, sports tournaments, the Luminaria session, and Survivor Lap just magically appear inside our lovely BC Plex one night a year? Absolutely not. It is due to the hard work of all the committees who help with the preparation, the fundraising, and the marketing for Relay that make this event possible. Many thanks go out to the Event Chairs for this year’s Relay for Life seniors Madison Aleska and Karen Guarino, junior Casey Osgood, and sophomore Mark Maleri. Each one has a personal reason why they “relay” and a history with Relay for Life that has personally touched them.
This year, the theme of Relay for Life at Boston College is the Olympics and these chairs deserve a gold medal for their efforts over the past year. Karen Guarino believes that Relay has many important messages that can be spread across campus. She comments, “I just want people to realize that they are not alone when it comes to their experiences with cancer. It is a terrifying process hearing that a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, but Relay is amazing because it shows just how many people are will to support one another and fight against this horrible disease.”
Event Chair Karen Guarino, BC ’13
All the chairs agreed that the best personification of this hope and support is seen and felt during the Luminaria ceremony during the night. Mark Maleri notes it is the moment “in which we remember those who have lost their battle with cancer. It’s such an emotional time because in that moment, you realize you are connected to 1,500 other people in the Plex.” The lights go out, the Acoustics and Dynamics sing softly, and love and support is truly shared. If you have not experienced this moment, I can attest to what the chairs say and tell you—it is truly moving.
Marketing Committee Chair and training Event Chair Mark Maleri BC ’15
This year, there are some exciting new additions to Relay that the Event Chairs are very excited about. Madison tells us that Pat Spain, from National Geographic’s television series Beast Hunter, will be the opening speaker. Later on in the evening there will also be a speech in honor of the Lynch School’s late Dean John Cawthorne by one of his former students. The Event Chairs as well as the Entertainment Committee have also secured some great BC dance groups!
The fundraising goal for Boston College’s Relay for Life this year is $150,000, which is $5,000 more than last year. Efforts have been made to reach this goal via bake sales, bar nights, and other fundraisers throughout the year. These fundraisers not only help raise money, but remind students that Relay is not one night, but rings all year through. Students also form teams and raise money for the event throughout the year.
Relay for Life is on Friday, February 15th this year in the Flynn Recreational Center. It begins at 6 pm and goes till 6 am the following morning. You can stay and show your support as long as you want, but from my experience I did not want to leave despite enduring an all-nighter! There is still time to register at www.relayforlife.org/BC, so don’t miss this event. As Event Chair Casey Osgood says, “BC Relay for Life is an amazing experience and her college experience wouldn’t be the same without it.”
Event Chair Casey Osgood BC ’14
We truly have these Event Chairs to thank for their support and efforts. It is through their love and dedication as well as the motivation of the Committees that make Relay and all the teams involved that this event is possible. Relay for Life is one night, but these cancer-fighting celebs truly personify the message of Relay all year long.
Thank you, Madison, Karen, Casey and Mark!! You remind us as we fight cancer and support those battling cancer that, “No one person can do everything but everyone can do something.” Let’s go BC and fight cancer!!
Photo credits
http://www.facebook.com/bcrelay?fref=ts
http://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/offices/pubaf/jpg/Relay_luminaria.JPG