Meet this week’s Campus Celebrity, Krista Rademeyer! Co-Director for Relay for Life of Mizzou, this girl has seriously got it going on. Motivated by her mother and family, Krista helps to raise awareness and support for the American Cancer Society. Want to know how to get involved in this life-changing experience? Then keep reading, Collegiettes!
“This is my mom and me! She’s my reason I relay!” – Krista Rademeyer
Her Campus Mizzou: What is Relay for Life of Mizzou?
Krista Rademeyer: Relay For Life of Mizzou is a 12-hour fundraising event that raises money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. ACS funds cancer research and directly helps cancer patients all over the country. Teams camp out all night long around a track. All of the teams have a fundraiser at their campsites and also have someone walking the track at all times. There is food, entertainment, ceremonies, and fundraising activities throughout the night for all participants. One of my favorite parts of the night is the luminaria ceremony, which recognizes cancer patients in a very moving way. The event is very symbolic, representing a cancer patient’s journey through his or her battle with the disease. Relay is more than that though. Relay brings people of our community together to fight for the same purpose: to find a cure for cancer.
*Relay for Life of Mizzou occurred March 16-17 at the Rec Center.
HCM: How did you get involved with Relay for Life?
KR: My first experience with Relay was my freshman year when I participated in Relay For Life on a team with the Cornell Leadership Program. I had an amazing time. I fell in love with the atmosphere but also with the cause. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2006. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to say that she has now been cancer-free for six years. Many people in my life have been diagnosed with cancer. The crazy thing about cancer is that it has an impact on everyone’s life in some way. A big thing with Relay is we always ask why people Relay. We know that everyone has a reason to be there; cancer has touched them all in some way. So why do I relay? That can be read on my personal fundraising page: http://main.acsevents.org/goto…
HCM: How did you attain your leadership position?
KR: After I attended Relay for the first time, I knew I wanted more of it. I applied for the 2012 Steering Committee, and thankfully they selected me! I was a team mentor on the Team Development subcommittee. After another fabulous year with Relay, I decided to apply for the position of Co-Director. My performance on the committee the previous year displayed my dedication to Relay. After an interview with the previous directors and American Cancer Society Representative, Bret Dalgaard, the other Co-Director called me to offer me the position. I was so excited to hear the news that I actually jumped up and down and did a high kick to celebrate. Enthusiasm is one of my strengths.
HCM: What has been your favorite experience thus far with Relay for Life?
KR: My favorite experience so far with Relay has been going to the regional conferences and hearing the stories from the Heroes of Hope. Cancer survivors stood on stage and shared their stories with everyone, thanking us for the work we do. They showed us in a very personal way how we are truly making a difference in people’s lives. The best moment was when one woman said to us, “Without Relay, I would not be standing here today. Thank you for saving my life.” That was a moment that will stick with me forever. Having someone thank you for his or her life is the most rewarding feeling anyone could ever have.
HCM: How has Relay for Life personally affected you?
KR: Relay has added an immeasurable value to my college life. It has provided me with opportunities to grow in my leadership skills, to make lifelong friends and to make a difference in the world.
HCM: What else would you like to tell us about Relay for Life Mizzou?
KR: Relay is such an amazing thing! Everyone should do it! Also, many people often misunderstand Relay to be an actual race. Clarification: there is no required running involved! People just walk the track all night, and you don’t even walk the whole time.