The college raised 100,000 dollars for cancer research in a year long fundraising effort which culminated with Relay for Life on Friday, April 7. Student groups around campus coordinated the evening and made the experience possible. Led by the Relay for Life team, luminary bags were sold, bank nights were held and capital was raised leading up to Friday.

The Saint Anselm Relay for Life is named in honor of Sr. Pauline Lucier, a former campus minister who passed away in 2009. Five leaders of on campus service societies co-chaired the organizing committee including seniors Courtney Puccio (Elizabeth Seton Society) and Mackenzie Sullivan (Koinonia Society). Associate Dean of Students Andrew Litz served as the Master of Ceremonies, and led a faculty group that was committed to relay’s success.

Bob Shea assumed the role of Grand Marshall, also delivering the keynote address. Speakers throughout the evening included Jordan Ouellette ‘17, David DiMauro ‘17 and Father Mathias Durette O.S.B. They underscored cancer fundraising’s profound impact and represented the college well. They also highlighted Relay for Life’s breakthrough achievements, and the work that still needs to be done.

Courtney Puccio spoke to the college’s communications office and expressed pleasure with the event. “I couldn’t be happier to see the hard work of so many people come together to create such a fantastic night for such a worthy cause,” said Puccio. “Relay for Life is the perfect example of what we as a college community are able to accomplish together, and this record breaking year certainly showed that!”

Every year, thousands of volunteers and coordinators gather to raise awareness for cancer treatment and prevention. As the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is staffed and coordinated by more than 5,200 communities and 27 countries.

It is a team fundraising event where members walk around a track or field for up to 24 hours. To signify that the fight is perpetual, each team must have members on the track at all times. The trek began with a “survivor’s lap”, during which member’s wore bands with the titles of “survivor” and “caregiver.”

Later, luminary bags surrounded the perimeter each representing someone who has battled cancer. Throughout Relay for Life participants can enjoy a range of games and activities. Pie a President is a fundraising game where tickets are sold to vote for which club president will get pie to the face on Relay night. In addition, students also organized a talent show and limbo contest to keep participants entertained.

All of Saint A’s sports teams were represented at Friday’s event and brought energy to the long evening. They competed in a Tug of War challenge, and assisted the event staff in setting up the Carr Center. Many campus clubs were also in attendance, sporting their various insignia on many different team shirts.

57 donors participated in the Pantene Beautiful Lengths hair donation. Participants allowed their friends to cut of eight inch or longer ponytails of their hair for donation. This hair will be made into wigs given to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

The Seton Society and the Saint Anselm Nurses’ Club both surpassed $10,000 dollars. All in all, over 1,000 faculty and students across 66 teams contributed. Kerrin Norton, a Sophomore, won the top fundraising total of $2,250. Not only was last year’s total of over $96,000 in fundraising for the American Cancer Society surpassed, but more people contributed, and the event reached a new popularity on campus.

The common goal of working towards better cancer research and funding has united millions. and Saint Anselm’s community came together in support of this cause once again.