April 05, 2008
Queens, N.Y. -
The 3rd Annual American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life
kicked off last night at historic Carnesecca Arena on the campus of
St. John’s University. More than 1,200 students and local residents
came together throughout the course of the night and into the wee
hours of this morning to honor cancer survivors, caregivers and
those who have lost their battle to cancer.
John Kelly, a junior at St. John’s, served as Master of
Ceremonies and began the night by putting the three-year
affiliation with ACS into perspective.
“This is one of the largest events we have on campus throughout
the year and one that has touched thousands of lives in the
process,” said Kelly to an energetic crowd of his peers.
Videotaped messages from Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.,
President of St. John’s University and Dr. Julia Upton, RSM,
Provost at St. John’s welcomed the crowd and applauded the
volunteer efforts of the St. John’s Community.
“I am so very proud of the work our students have done, not only
for this wonderful event with the American Cancer Society, but for
their service throughout the year,” said Rev. Harrington, C.M.
And, The Coach” Lou Carnesecca brought a loud ovation from those
in attendance when he proclaimed in his video address, “We’re going
to beat this thing (cancer) together.”
Moving speeches from Student Inspirational Speaker’s Courtney
Curby and Ivana Williams (both sophomores at St. John’s) followed
the video montage. Curby recounted how her brother Jake’s
courageous fight in beating leukemia brought her family closer
together and Williams, diagnosed with cancer, continues her fight
with a positive outlook and strong support from her friends and
family.
A special tribute to fallen St. John’s Professor John W.
Dobbins, Jr., who passed away last month after a long battle with
cancer, formally began the Luminaria Ceremony as students lit
candles around the Carnesecca Arena floor in honor of those
fighting cancer, survivors and friends and family members lost to
the disease.
The unique format for the event (which espouses to the theme –
“Celebrate…Remember…Fight Back”) officially begins with a Survivors
& Supporters of Survivor’s Lap. Then all participants follow
suit to start what consists of a fun-filled overnight community
celebration (from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) where people camp out, sing,
dance, and take turns walking and running or otherwise moving
around a track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer.
More than 90 Relay for Life teams were in attendance and helped
raised money for this worthwhile cause. St. John’s own Lambda Kappa
Sigma Sorority earned the top amount bringing in $10,600 to
ACS.
DJ Flow and Mike Horn & The Method Agreement provided
musical entertainment for the event, accompanied by trivia
contests, three-legged races, karaoke and limbo contests, a musical
beach ball competition and a selection of movies offered in St.
John’s Little Theatre by Greek Life rounded out the marathon format
for participants.
The evening could not have been complete without the help of so
many dedicated individuals. Led by Relay for Life Advisor Dr.
Kathryn Hutchinson, the St. John’s University Executive Board was
instrumental in the night’s success. Board Members include: Vinny
Chacko (Co-Chair); Christina Zaccarelli (Co-Chair); Mary Pelkowski;
Lucy Pesci; Marilena Minucci; John Kelly; Amanda Reichmuth;
Samantha Wagner; Chanel Talma; Matt Kurtz; Joanne Zissel; Anne
Gough; Edward Henry; Geena Ingrassia; Rob Cote; Damien Duchamp and
John Link (ACS).
Sponsors for the evening also included: Coca Cola; Domino’s
Pizza; Matteo’s Restaurant; Greek Life at St. John’s University;
Chartwells; St. John’s Campus Ministry; St. John’s Athletics
Department; St. John’s Student Government Inc.; Sweet Treats Pastry
Shoppe; Commerce Bank; Bagel Oasis and Bagel & Co.
More information about the American Cancer Society can be found
by contacting Anne Shaknis, Project Manager for Communications and
Marketing, ACS/Eastern Division by calling (212) 237-3884. For
24-hour cancer information, the public can call 1-800-ACS-2345 or
visit www.cancer.org.
Interested media representatives can contact Dominic Scianna,
Assistant Vice President for Media Relations at St. John’s
University by calling (718) 990-6185. Information about St. John’s
can be found by visiting the University web site at www.stjohns.edu/news.