Wheaton to walk for American Cancer Society

Wheaton students, faculty and staff will again join the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer by raising funds through the Relay For Life, an all-night campus walk-a-thon.

The event will begin on Friday, April 4, with team registration and sign-in at 2 p.m., and conclude with closing ceremonies at 8 a.m. the following morning. To ensure warm, dry conditions throughout the night, this year's Relay will be held in the Field House of the Haas Athletic Center rather than in the Dimple as in previous years.

The theme for the 2008 Wheaton Relay For Life is all things "Disney." Co-coordinator Kim Wozniakewicz '08 says this fun theme has attracted many participants. "This year's involvement has been outstanding. All of us on the committee are thrilled with the turnout thus far."

Last year the Wheaton community raised $37,000 for the American Cancer Society through the Relay for Life and an additional $25,531 in online funds. This year the coordinators hope to reach $40,000 and raise another $30,000 online. In addition to raising money for the American Cancer Society, the Relay for Life celebrates cancer survivors and honors those who courageously fought the battle.

There are currently 32 teams signed up to participate in the walk. Co-coordinator Joshua Begley '10 says the committee hopes to reach its goal of 35 teams: "We all believe that Relay is a great event, particularly because it brings the whole community together in a fun and inspiring way. If people don't know much about it they should definitely check it out and not be afraid to join in, even at the last minute."

Participants have devised some creative team names inspired by the Disney theme. Members of the track teams have registered as "Cool Runnings" and the swimming and diving team will walk as "Finding Nemo." Relay team members are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters.

The night's entertainment schedule includes a variety of performances and activities. Food will be provided and contests will be held to recognize the top fund raiser, the top fund-raising team and the most spirited team. A plethora of Wheaton groups will contribute their dancing, singing, comedic and poetic skills to entertain walkers and show support for the fight against cancer.

The highly anticipated second annual Relay Idol is a competition in which individuals and groups can showcase their talents and represent their teams. There will be a mystery host and surprise judges to add to the fun. Relay Idol will begin on Friday night at 10 p.m.

Disney Jeopardy will give teams a chance to show off their trivia skills to win prizes and choose which Disney films are shown during quiet hours. Teams can sign up at registration on Friday afternoon and the game will begin on Saturday at 1 a.m.

The Relay for Life is organized by the Wheaton chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, which also coordinates campus events such as Breast Cancer Awareness Week, the Great American Smokeout and Daffodil Days.

Anyone interested in joining or creating a team can contact one of the co-coordinators: begley_joshua@wheatoma.edu, wozniakewicz_kimberly@wheatonma.edu, robinson_kelly@wheatonma.edu.