Caroline Kiley ’24 will share her journey as a cancer survivor and advocate at Saint Anselm College during the 17th annual Sister Pauline Relay for Life.

Kiley, a sociology and social work double major, is an active contributor to the community. She contributes to the community by working at the Melia Center, coordinating in FAPNO, manager of the Saint Raphael’s community center, and serves on the Relay for Life committee.

In 2019, Kiley received the news of her Hodgkins Lymphoma when she was just one week into her first semester. “I found out in the Baroody parking lot that I had cancer,” said Kiley.

Kiley started receiving treatment at Dana Farber in Boston in October, having to take a leave of absence from the Hilltop. Although her time on campus was brief, Kiley said she still felt support from her teachers and peers. 

“I knew them for probably seven days, maybe two classes, and I had teachers checking up on me throughout the entire year…I was a part of the community for such a short time, but they were there for me the whole time,” she said.

To Kiley, the Relay represents the connection cancer brings to everyone. She explained that everyone knows someone that has been affected by cancer, and Relay shows how the fight is with the community. Although she has overcome her cancer, she is not done fighting.“Everyone needs to rally behind it,” she said.

Kiley gave a speech her sophomore year for the Relay for Life. She described the speech as “healing” for herself and her family. Her only experience with cancer was on St. A’s campus and Kiley’s speech was, as she called it, a full-circle moment for her. Giving speeches can be uncomfortable, but Kiley felt the support of the community rallying behind her and the other speakers. 

One of Kiley’s most treasured moments at Relay each year is the Luminaria ceremony. Luminaria is a ceremonial candle held by a bag and filled with the names of loved ones who have either passed away or have been affected by cancer. During the Relay, the names are read aloud, a moment for all to celebrate each person. 

Kiley has been a member of the Relay committee for the past three years and was surprised by the offer to be this year’s Grand Marshal. She was hesitant at first because she had already shared her story of growth and healing in 2022, but she plans to use this opportunity to continue her story and promote cancer equality.

“There is economic, gender, sexuality, racial, all various disparities in cancer care and people’s access to it,” Kiley said. She has worked to get petitions signed and spread awareness of World Cancer Day, which was on Feb.5. “I would like to see that multiplied. We do such a great job at making monetary action, which is very powerful because money can change a lot of things, but I also would like to see that education grow beyond just that one day,” she said.

Different from her past experience as a committee member, organizing Relay as the Grand Marshal has been much more personal for Kiley. Preparation includes writing her own speech and reflecting on how she has grown these last two years. “I’m preparing to share a very vulnerable part of my life,” she said.

The more technical side of Relay preparation includes fundraising, advertising, team organization, researching, and educating. Kiley also explained how she has been working to support and communicate with other speakers who have yet to be announced. 

Kiley wants the Saint Anselm community to know that cancer research and healthcare access is everyone’s issue. “It’s part of everyone’s story and journey…we can use our voices for real change,” she said.

Relay for Life will take place on April 5. So far the Relay has made a little over $40,000, with the goal of $105,000, but Kiley explained that most of the donations come during the event. Students can join Relay by joining a campus club or office team or signing up on the website. Donations can be made on the Relay for Life website as well.