On April 24, Geneva College hosted the Relay for Life to raise support and awareness for cancer research. The event had to be held in the Metheny Fieldhouse due to inclement weather, but that didn’t stop students, faculty, staff, and friends from honoring those affected by the disease.

Geneva’s Nurse Connie Erwin, who is a cancer survivor herself, organized the event along with her team of student health coordinators.

“It was a fun venue which allowed individuals to support one another in a personal way as almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some regard. We raised over $1,600 which will be invested in researching a cure. Our work today may prevent a future cancer death or may allow for cancers treatments to become more effective and less harsh,” Erwin says.

The Relay for Life gave participants a chance to see the results of research progress, as several cancer survivors showed up to take a few victorious laps around the gym. Students had the opportunity to join them on the final circuit. A luminaria ceremony was held to honor loved ones who have died of cancer.

“It was very emotional, and the first time that I participated in a Relay for Life since my nine-year victory over breast cancer,” says Dianne Wheeler, secretary for Geneva’s Bible Department. “It would be my hope that this year would be a springboard for years to come to have Geneva College be a light on the hill in sponsoring the Relay for Life.”

In addition to the relay, the day’s fundraising events included three-legged races, tug-of-war, sport tournaments and more. People were also invited to “bash cancer” by taking a sledge hammer to a donated car.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. For more information visit their website.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College’s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).