2012 One More Day Campaign

Today, February 29^th, is very important one for the South Atlantic Division of Relay For Life. Taking advantage of this one extra day, Relay is encouraging every Relay team to participate in the One More Day campaign by asking us, “What would you do with one more day?”

What a great question.

With the end goal of raising 2.12 million dollars in two days, our Relay division has taken on an enormous challenge. However, if we read the responses of our fellow Relayers have submitted as to what they would do with one more day, this goal doesn’t seem quite so difficult to attain. The passion and drive that is present in Relayers across the division is so empowering that I think we should all take some time to read other’s stories, and inspire ourselves to make a difference on this one extra day.

Here, UGA Relay shares with us the story of Mary Evelyn. 

Although she has lost her battle with cancer, along with countless others, Mary Evelyn continues to live in hearts, and minds. On this day, the 29^th of February, let’s all remember those who didn’t make it, cheer for those who have, and hope for those whose futures are still unclear. Take some time and go to your Relay page and send out some emails, and ask youself:

What would YOU do with one more day?

Relay-Love,

Relay For Life at UVA

Why Do You Relay: Zoe's Story

Not sure what to tell people when they ask you why you relay, or what Relay For Life even is? Zoe Hardy shares her story with us of what the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life have meant to her throughout the years…

My name is Zoë Hardy and I am a third year majoring in American Studies. This year I am participating in my 10th Relay. Every year I enjoy getting more involved by taking on greater responsibilities and commitments. The last two years of high school I was the Youth Chair on the Executive Planning Committee for Relay of Virginia Beach and when I came to UVa I joined the Executive Committee and was selected to be the Logistics Chair.

Relay was the first activity I became involved in when I got to UVA, I could probably wear a different Relay shirt every day for a month without having to do laundry (you think I am kidding but I am not) and I just really love the spirit and community that comes out of participating in Relay For Life.

Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society are truly remarkable organizations. Since its inception in 1913, the American Cancer Society has been working to save lives through research, education, advocacy, and service. 40 years ago, people smoked in elevators, at work, and even in doctors’ offices—today we hear this and think that it is crazy, but it would have never changed if it were not for the aggressive initiatives sponsored by the American Cancer Society informing people of the risks associated with smoking.

Besides all of the great work the American Cancer Society has done over the years, I was also motivated to join Relay on a personal level. When I was younger my family and I would always go skiing up in Vermont with my dad’s Uncle Pat and his family around Valentine’s Day. We would ski all day and then come back to the timeshare and have dinner and play games, go in the hot tub. One year; however, we could no longer go skiing with my Uncle Pat because he had passed away from cancer. I was only in elementary school when this happened, but I truly miss him and wish that cancer had not taken him away.

Just last year my Grandpa Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctors said that the cancer did not look good. Fortunately, because of the work being done by the American Cancer Society there was a clinical trial being performed at Duke that he qualified for and was able to participate. He has been responding well to the medicine and is currently fighting a courageous battle with this awful disease. I wish I could say that these are the only people in my life that have been affected by cancer, but there are many more, including family friends and fellow Relayers.

I Relay because I want to see an end to cancer. I Relay to help raise money for important services and programs that support cancer patients and their families every step of the way. I Relay because cancer has affected people in my life whom I love. I Relay to raise money for more clinical trials and programs to help patients while fighting cancer. I Relay to remember those that have lost their battle with cancer. I Relay For Life.

A word of advice from our top team captains...

Hey fellow Relayers, need some inspiration for fundraising or boosting your team’s enthusiasm for Relay? Check out these helpful tactics and encouraging thoughts from  Laura Elliott, co-captain of team Hoo Would’ve Thought?, and Lana Hoang, captain of team VSA. These teams have been diligently raising money for this year’s Relay since early last semester, and are continuing to come up with more fundraisers as we get closer and closer to April 13th.

When asked why she relays, Lana said, “...I found out last year that my uncle was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and he is currently going through treatment.  Even though this is my fourth year doing Relay For Life, this is the first time someone close to me has been affected by cancer.” Similarly, Laura noted how she has seen loved ones suffer from cancer, “I personally wanted to Relay because at the age of 6, I lost my best friend to a malignant brain tumor. The next year, my grandfather past away with cancer.”   Both captains mentioned that as far as fundraising goes, helping others and fighting cancer outweighs the energy it takes to plan and execute each event.

We asked Laura what her strategy is for brainstorming and implementing fundraising ideas. She replied, “We think of ideas, how in the world we could make them happen, and what our target groups are, we think of how to market the idea. We knew our V-day sale was the week before so we made it into a "date-maker". It’s just a matter of gauging what angle you're trying to squeeze.” Both she and Lana feel that they have strong support from their friends in their efforts to raise money for Relay.

Finally, Lana gave us some advice on how to get the most out of the Relay experience: “Be passionate about what/ who you're Relay-ing for!  Relay For Life is such a touching, emotional 12 hours, especially with the Luminaria Ceremony, but it can also be fun!  The more effort you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.  I would recommend building your team early (as soon as the new year's ACS Relay site is up and ready!), which allows you to put on more fundraisers and see your progression through to the big event in April.”

Let’s follow in these girls’ footsteps and keep working toward more birthdays for everyone!

February?!

So it’s February (already?!), and things are really starting to kick into gear as we all get excited for this year’s Relay For Life! Teams across Grounds are pulling together their resources to help us reach our monthly fundraising goals! This year should prove to be our most successful yet, and I know that all of us with Relay are super hyped to see a record-breaking number of participants this year!

As we move closer to the first Captains Meeting, recruitment has come to the forefront of goals for the next month. Spread the word, tell your friends, get EVERYONE YOU KNOW to register for Relay For Life! Bring your friends out to the upcoming bar nights, take them to get Relay cupcakes at SweetHaus, or just send them to the website so they can register themselves and all of their friends! Every effort helps us reach our ultimate goal of bringing more birthdays to more cancer survivors.

Just keep spreading the word, and keep the Relay Love alive! And be on the lookout for future blog posts from other teams, local reps, and other exciting people who all want to share their own love for Relay