Listen Here
By: Olivia Wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu
Twitter: o_wile
The Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) Relay for Life returned to the University of Findlay. The 2019 jungle-themed event brought together more than 400 people on Saturday, March 30.
“Everyone really comes together planning the event and putting it on,” said Allison Boesel, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life specialist for Northwest Ohio. “It’s always so great to see everyone working together for one common cause.”
A UF alumni herself, this is Boesels sixth Relay for Life event. Raising $32,976 so far, she says this year’s event was another success.
“I thought it was fantastic,” said Boesel. “To see everybody having fun, seeing the money we’re raising, all the survivors that we celebrate with – I think they put on another really great event this year.”
As this is her first year on campus, freshman Cynthia Napier says she enjoyed her first UF Relay for Life.
“My first Relay for Life was a really fun experience to be able to watch all the different teams walk around in support of the same cause,” said Napier.
She says since her family has also been affected by the disease, the survivors lap was very meaningful to her.
“My great aunt got breast cancer two times, but she has survived both times and is still living today,” said Napier. “My favorite part of the day was watching the first and second lap, having all the survivors walk and then watching their families walk with them.”
Though helping out with several different Relay for Life events around the area, Boesel says UF holds a special place in her heart.
“I love working with University of Findlay,” remarked Boesel. “It was great when I first got this job when I found out that University of Findlay was going to be my event because I love the University.”
She says each year the Findlay CAC students work hard to make sure the event is a success.
“The students are just so great, they’re just so passionate about what they do, they love what they do and they’re excited every year to put on an amazing event for students on campus,” said Boesel. “I really enjoy working with them.”
As far as why Relay for Life is so important to bring back to campus each year, Boesel has a simple answer.
“Everyone is affected by cancer. Whether it’s a love one or if it’s friend – you can ask probably anyone on campus how they’ve been effected by cancer and they can give you an answer.”
To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/ohio.html.
