June 25, 2012
On Friday, April 20, 2012, the St. John’s University Staten Island
campus hosted our first Relay for Life event. The Relay raises more
than $4 billion dollars worldwide for the American Cancer Society
each year. This year, the Office of Student Life and Student
Government, Incorporated, wanted to take on this program and
present it to the campus community. Over 300 individuals,
mostly students, made up 28 teams and helped raise an astonishing
$20,381.70! This was truly remarkable given our goal of
$10,000 for this first year. Our Greek community was instrumental
in our fundraising and attendance bringing in over $6,000 and 150
people.
The evening opened with a beautiful ceremony, which included first
hand student accounts of how cancer has torn through their
families. Stephanie Colbert, Senior, recounts that during her first
Family Day she was stunned when told her father was diagnosed with
cancer and unfortunately lost the battle just before she returned
home for Thanksgiving. Peige Everson, Senior, also spoke of the
cancer diagnosis that both her mom and brother received while she
was attending St. John’s University. We then heard from Margaret
Goodman, mother of Audra Goodman, Assistant Director for Student
Life who spoke of her battle with throat cancer. She received a
standing ovation when announcing she has been 22 years cancer
free!
Photo Gallery
Following the speeches, we announced a survivor’s lap to the song
“Survivor,” followed by a caregivers lap to “Lean on Me.” Lastly,
the entire room made their way to the track where we did a lap for
all those wishing to rid the world of cancer. The track was lined
with Luminaria bags to honor, support and recognize those who are
battling cancer and those who we remember who lost that battle.
With the lights dimmed, all those in attendance took out glow
sticks and placed them in the Luminaria bags for a very emotional
moment of silence to honors those individuals.
The night continued after the ceremony with tons of energy, love,
friendship and support. Student Danielle Green of Phi Eta Chi
Sorority stated, “This was one of the best things I have been a
part of at St. John’s. I had no idea how great it was going to be.
Next year we are going to bring more people and raise more
money.”
Local vendors were extremely generous donating services and goods.
All of the food and beverages for the evening were donated by local
“friends of St. John’s,” including Chartwells, Panera Bread, Moe’s
Southwest Grill, DeMonte’s, Thomas Joseph Catering, Dunkin Donuts,
Alphonso’s Bakery, Subway and Coca-Cola. We also received various
raffle and services donations from friends and alumni of the Staten
Island campus.
This was a night like no other. We not only raised unbelievable
money for the American Cancer Society, but also awareness amongst
the St. John’s student body.
For more information regarding the event, please see attached
article that was featured on the front page of the
Staten Island AdvanceSaturday
morning.