SHU’s ‘Relay For Life’ Surpasses Its Fundraising Goal

Reactivated club returns to Sacred Heart with a renovated drive against cancer

Sacred Heart University’s Campus Field recently was the site of the newly revived Relay for Life, where volunteers raised $36,000 for the American Cancer Society to use for cancer research and assistance for people fighting cancer. The original goal for this year was $25,000.

Molly Kearns ’22, president of the Relay for Life club, detailed the revival efforts. “Kristine Hawkins and I are the club presidents, and we decided to bring it back last fall. We wrote its constitution and were finally able to get the club going in January. At the event, we were trying to incorporate the entire Sacred Heart community. We have our club members, families, friends, DI and club sports teams, sorority and fraternity life, faculty and so many more in attendance.” Dan Rober, associate professor of Catholic studies, oversaw organization of the student-led event.

This year’s Relay for Life followed a carnival theme and featured carnival-style games and food. Participants registered and received $10 worth of tickets to use for games. People also could purchase luminaires in honor of lives lost to the disease, as well as bead bracelets, ribbon-pinning, relay games, a field-goal kicking contest and ice cream at a nitrogen station the chemistry club set up. At the event, participants also took a lap around the track to honor all survivors and health care workers.

Michael Giarratano, assistant professor of teacher preparation, was a featured survivor who spoke about his experience with prostate cancer. It developed as a result of his time in the army during the Vietnam War, when many soldiers became ill after inhaling a chemical defoliant, Agent Orange, that was used on trees around them. He shared how lucky he was to overcome his cancer battle and share his story.

Pictured: Reverend Sara Smith, an interfaith chaplain at SHU, talks with the crowd before the kick-off of Relay For Life in April.