March 15, 2010
If you should see purple popping up all over campus beginning
this week it is to remind you that St. John’s University will host
its Fifth Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life on
April 9-10 in Carnesecca Arena on the Queens campus.
This 12-hour event brings the entire University community
together to raise funds and awareness for the fight against
cancer. Last year over 1,400 participants raised over $75,000. This
year as many participants are expected to cheer each other on as
they walk through the night in honor or in memory of those whose
lives have been touched by cancer.
The students behind the planning of Relay for Life have declared
the week of March 15 - 19 as "Paint the Campus Purple Week." Purple
is the color of HOPE and the Relay for Life is an event that
inspires hope in all who are struggling with the devastating
effects of cancer.
If you have not done so already, please plan how you can be part
of what is always called “the biggest party for a cause” on campus!
A variety of events this week have been designed to raise awareness
for Relay and to encourage student teams to get registered on line.
Independent walkers can also join the Relay Johnnies’ Team
sponsored by Student Government. During this week the Great
Lawn will be lined with luminaria as a reminder to stop a moment
and celebrate the lives of those we honor. Consider purchasing your
own luminaria (personalized lighted bag) in order to honor a loved
one during the main event.
All offices and departments have received a purple envelope with
a special invitation to form a team and/or get involved with
this year's Relay. To date, close to 50 teams and hundreds of
participants have signed up to participate in the event. In
addition, order forms to purchase luminaria are in the purple
packets and can also be downloaded below.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m. and will be
followed by an all-night, non-competitive walk-a-thon open to the
campus community. The opening lap is reserved for cancer survivors,
who will lead the group in the path around Carnesecca Arena and
will be honored for the will and strength that helped them to
courageously fight this disease.
Also being celebrated at this year’s event are the family,
friends and supporters of those battling cancer. Special guest
speakers will share their stories and describe the vital roles they
have played or are currently playing in support of family members
who are up against this disease.
As thousands of laps are taken around Carnesecca Arena, the
lights will be dimmed and the glow of the luminaria will brighten
the walk. Each light represents someone who has been affected by
cancer – celebrating those who have successfully battled the
disease and commemorating those lives which have been lost
ultimately lighting a pathway of HOPE. To purchase luminaria for
your loved ones please download and complete
this form.
To participate in the walk, or to make a donation online, please
visit the www.relayforlife.org/stjohnsuniversityNY
Web site. If you would like to become a team captain or need
further information, please contact the Department of Student
Wellness at (718) 990-7537.
The money raised by this event will help support American Cancer
Society programs including free cancer screening in Queens, as well
as, research, advocacy and service.
For More Information contact the Event
Advisor
Kathryn Hutchinson, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Student Wellness
Tel (718) 990-6820
Fax (718) 990-2767
hutchink@stjohns.edu