Students and staff members have united to begin planning for ETSU’s first campus Relay for Life, which will bring teams together in hope, celebration and memory.
On Wednesday, supporters participated in Relay for Life Kickoff party. Cancer survivor and keynote speaker, Jamie Moc, gave testimony on dealing with cancer and provided a message of hope for those who have dealt either directly or indirectly with the disease.
Other speakers included Mayor Duffie Jones, who presented the proclamation, and Jennifer Berry, president of the SGA.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life raises funds for cancer research and the development of new prevention and detection programs. Supporters form teams and gather at schools, fairgrounds and parks to take turns walking or running laps. The proceeds go to help the American Cancer Society continue its expansive patient support programs and further its advocacy efforts.
“I am very excited to be a part of ETSU’s first college Relay for Life,” said Jamie Tullock, ETSU student Relay for Life chairperson. “I think it’ll be a great success. I encourage all students to get involved, and help beat this awful disease.”
Many people support this cause because of the susceptibility to cancer in men and women. In the United States, men have a one in two lifetime risk of developing cancer, and for women the risk is one in three. Relay for Life represents hope that one-day cancer will be a thing of the past.
Relay for Life first began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and avid runner, clocked 83 miles and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society by spending 24 hours in a walk/run around a track in Tacoma, Wash.
The following year, 220 supporters forming 19 teams joined Dr. Klatt and the American Cancer Society to create Relay for Life. Over the last 17 years, Relay for Life has spread to 3,000 communities in the United States and seven foreign countries.
ETSU will be holding Relay for Life on March 28-29 at the intramural fields by the Center for Physical Activity located on ETSU campus.
The first team captain meeting is Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in Meeting Room 3 in the D.P. Culp University Center.
Students and staff are encouraged to participate in this event. For more information contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or 926-2921. For information concerning participation and team forming, contact Stacy Willingham at 433-2135.
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to preventing and eliminating cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

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