Every year around basketball season and FUSA elections, the same big question arises.
Relaying the spirit at Relay for Life this weekend. Mirror file photo
Are Fairfield students too apathetic?
Whether or not that is true, certain events always spark activism among students on campus. Two weeks ago, a record 657 students turned out for Hunger Cleanup, waking up early in the morning and helping those in need.
Another event, now in its third year at Fairfield, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, is also an opportunity for students to show that in reality, they do care about things other than drinking and sometimes doing work for class.
Since its first year, the event, which is sponsored by the University’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, has grown exponentially.’ On the fund-raising side, $30,000 was raised last year, more than double the amount of the year before.’ Also 350 students walked in the event, more than the 250 that participated the first year.
That is the point of this column; join with those people and show that Fairfield really does care.
Sometimes an event or topic sparks such strong feeling in a writer that it is almost wrong to not use the opportunity, the pedestal so to speak, to promote it.’ Relay for Life is one such event for me.
If you talk to almost anyone on campus, it is likely that they have been somewhat affected by cancer.’ It is a disease that is devastating and widespread. It affects everyone, from a child with leukemia who has to leave school and misses half of their childhood to a retired grandfather. It does not discriminate based on race, religion or economic status.’
I know first hand the way that cancer can disrupt a life. It is a subject I rarely talk about, but one that has shaped my entire life. When I was in eighth grade, my father died at the age of 50 from cancer. It was a tough time, but one that has made me even more aware of the pain that cancer can cause. For my first two years at Fairfield I considered writing a column like this or finding a way to get more involved in the event.
I know what it is like to lose a loved one, to watch a hero battle and then lose to the debilitating disease of cancer. And I want to help make sure that no other family has to endure what I went through.
Fund-raising is important for every charity and is important to help fight any disease. But for cancer it seems even more dire. Every year the technology and medicine improve, bringing the world closer and closer to a cure. Each year the death rate from cancer drops by one or two percent, which seems small, but in reality is a drastic amount, when considering the scope of the amount of people who have cancer.
Healthier lifestyles, improved screening and better treatment options have led to a drop in up to 20 percent in cancer-related deaths since the 90s.
So this weekend, take a moment and think about giving a few dollars to the cause. Or pick another cause. One that affects you more.’ Think about buying a less-expensive brand of beer and giving the money you save to a worthy cause.
It is actually worth it.
Relay for Life will take place on Friday, April 24 starting at 6 p.m. in the circle outside of the Barone Campus Center and will end at 6 a.m. on April 25. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Relay for Life page of the American Cancer society at www.main.ascevents.org.
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