Students find inspiration in URI Relay For Life, raise money for cancer research
Jessica Medeiros
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
Ryan Shevis is another Relay for Life participant who has been affected by cancer.
Shevis' grandmother has been diagnosed with four different types of cancer, and his grandfather was recently diagnosed with a serious terminal cancer.
"It's been really tough on me," Shevis, a senior, said. "I try to stay busy when I'm here at school, but it's still a lot to deal with."
Shevis, who is participating in the relay for the first time, said he has received tremendous support from members of the Greek system, particularly his fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau.
He hopes the relay will strengthen his support system on campus and allow him to support others.
"Going to the relay will let me meet a lot of people who actually care," he said. "And it's a chance to get out and talk to people and show them that you care."
For Shevis, Relay for Life is more than a fundraiser; it is an effort to show constructive concern and attention to an issue that affects him and so many around him.
"I really think actions speak louder than words, and this is a way to go out and actually do something," he said.
Brendan Heyck, who manages marketing for Relay for Life at URI, said he is pleased with the number of members of the URI community who are participating, forming a total of 50 teams.
While he is unsure of the exact amount that will be raised, he is expecting around $15,000 to $20,000 based on current pledges. Heyck said he is anticipating more donations to be made on the day of the relay.
He added that the relay will retain the ceremonial nature it has had in past years, beginning with a speech from members of the American Cancer Society and the first lap, or Survivor Lap, led by cancer survivors.
Participants can also make a donation to light a candle and place it in a lantern during the Luminaria Ceremony. The lanterns will be displayed throughout the relay.
Heyck said the mood of the event will progress from a serious note to becoming gradually more upbeat.
"It's really two-fold," Heyck, a senior, said. "It starts off somber as we remember the people who are struggling with cancer, and others who we have lost to cancer and then we celebrate those who have beat it."
Heyck said he is inspired to see so many people from URI join together for the event.
"The whole community really gets involved for a good cause," Heyck said.
Shevis' grandmother has been diagnosed with four different types of cancer, and his grandfather was recently diagnosed with a serious terminal cancer.
"It's been really tough on me," Shevis, a senior, said. "I try to stay busy when I'm here at school, but it's still a lot to deal with."
Shevis, who is participating in the relay for the first time, said he has received tremendous support from members of the Greek system, particularly his fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau.
He hopes the relay will strengthen his support system on campus and allow him to support others.
"Going to the relay will let me meet a lot of people who actually care," he said. "And it's a chance to get out and talk to people and show them that you care."
For Shevis, Relay for Life is more than a fundraiser; it is an effort to show constructive concern and attention to an issue that affects him and so many around him.
"I really think actions speak louder than words, and this is a way to go out and actually do something," he said.
Brendan Heyck, who manages marketing for Relay for Life at URI, said he is pleased with the number of members of the URI community who are participating, forming a total of 50 teams.
While he is unsure of the exact amount that will be raised, he is expecting around $15,000 to $20,000 based on current pledges. Heyck said he is anticipating more donations to be made on the day of the relay.
He added that the relay will retain the ceremonial nature it has had in past years, beginning with a speech from members of the American Cancer Society and the first lap, or Survivor Lap, led by cancer survivors.
Participants can also make a donation to light a candle and place it in a lantern during the Luminaria Ceremony. The lanterns will be displayed throughout the relay.
Heyck said the mood of the event will progress from a serious note to becoming gradually more upbeat.
"It's really two-fold," Heyck, a senior, said. "It starts off somber as we remember the people who are struggling with cancer, and others who we have lost to cancer and then we celebrate those who have beat it."
Heyck said he is inspired to see so many people from URI join together for the event.
"The whole community really gets involved for a good cause," Heyck said.
