By Brittney Bruner
It is the latest operation of one committee on campus: Paint it Purple.
This is the theme among Relay for Life events across the nation. Purple is the signature color for cancer awareness and is also the color used as a symbol for the annual event.
Those involved with festivities this year at the University of Louisville’s Relay for Life are making an effort to Paint it Purple across campus. At an upcoming baseball game, purple T-shirts will be sold and U of L players will wear purple armbands in an attempt to paint the stadium purple and raise awareness about Relay for Life.
Melonie Coghill, a sophomore chemistry major, is head of public relations for this year’s Relay for Life. Coghill, who is participating in the event for the first time, said she was initially drawn to Relay for Life because she didn’t know much about it and she wanted to devote her free time to a good cause.
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a worldwide movement that takes place not only in the United States, but in 19 other countries, making it the world’s largest nonprofit fundraising event.
Jason Hill, a junior accounting major, participates in Relay for Life each year with his fraternity.
“I just go to the event and hang out and walk for the 12 hours,” said Hill. “It’s a lot of fun because you are up all night with a lot of people. And I really don’t even think of it as community service, although it is.”
The Survivors’ Lap kicks off the night of festivities.
“This is an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer,” said Coghill.
Another widely recognized activity, which is standard among Relay for Life events, is the Luminaria Ceremony.
“After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease,” said Coghill. “Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer. And participants walk a lap in silence.”
Because the event will be held inside this year, the U of L Relay for Life committee will use glow sticks instead and allow participants to write messages on the bags in honor or memory of those whose names are written on them.
Lastly, there is the Fight Back Ceremony. During this ceremony, individuals make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.
“That personal commitment may be to do something as simple as getting a screening test, quitting smoking or talking to elected officials about cancer,” said Coghill.
In addition to these ceremonies, there will be various activities throughout the night helping to keep participants entertained and energized, as well as contributing to the overall mission and efforts of Relay for Life.
Sarah Bishop, a junior psychology major, has not participated in U of L’s Relay for Life. However, she has taken part in the Relay for Life in her hometown and she plans to attend U of L’s event this year.
“I was a volunteer for seven years,” said Sarah. “It, in itself, is an amazing way to raise awareness. It makes people realize how many people are affected by cancer. It brings communities together and provides support for a cure to be found one day.”
Relay for Life at U of L will be held in the Student Activities Center Multipurpose Room from 7 p.m. on April 9 to 7 a.m. on April 10. To register for the event, visit relay.org/louisville.edu. Donations are also welcome at this Web site. Even if students are not registered, they are encouraged to attend and enjoy all the big events and activities lined up throughout the night.
