Relay for Life is a 12 hour event that takes place around the country and all over the world to recognize those who have battled with cancer, to support survivors, and to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The event went from Saturday at 5pm until 5 am Sunday morning. Different groups have teams that each have at least one person walking the track at all times throughout the night.
It was a great way for RUF to come together with different student groups all around Maryland to support a good cause and encourage members of the University community that have been affected by cancer.
A brave UMD student shared her story of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, her battle, and how her community got her through it all. One of our RUF students is a friend of hers. There were several other students throughout the night that shared their stories of personally being diagnosed with cancer or loosing a loved one.
Here is our RUF team Captain, DJ, leading the way! He did a great job of recruiting people for the event, organizing our tent, and keeping us going throughout the night.
In all, over 1,600 from the UMD community came out for the event. RUF's team had about 20 members, and ranked #35 out of over 200 teams of Maryland clubs and student groups. In total the event raised over $140,000 for the American Cancer Society.
RUF grilled hot dogs and had plenty of snacks (including s'mores, fruit & veggies, water, and more) to keep our team fueled throughout the night.
A few of our RUF girls helped me bake homemade cookies and brownies to bring as well. They had a great time getting off campus and into a kitchen again!
Throughout the night there are all kind of events going on for those who are not walking the track. There were soccer & football tournaments, laser tag, zumba classes, inflatable games, and more!
There were also times to stop and remember the reason we all gathered. Luminaries were placed around the track by loved ones in honor of those who had died from cancer. Students lit candles for those they knew who battled cancer. First those with mom's or dad's diagnosed, then those with brothers or sisters, husbands or wives, family members, friends, and neighbors.
It was moving to see how many students lit their candles each time. As we walked the track with our candles, the wind blew some of them out, many students stopped to sit near their luminary, and a solemn silence hung over the stadium.
It was a time when all the fun stopped for us to mourn with those who still mourned a loved one, to offer a shoulder to cry on, and remember those who have passed away.
I was reminded time and again of the great hope we have in Christ. One day the world will be set right: no more will people deal with sicknesses like cancer and we will see all those in the church who have gone before us again. It made me want to share this hope with students even more.
I am so proud of our RUF team for their fundraising efforts and positive attitudes throughout the long, cold night. RUF was able to connect with other groups and meet new people. Almost all of our students stayed until 5 am when so many other students left to sleep or do other things. RUF even had an impromptu dance party on stage during one of the last laps!
We really do have such great students!
Grace & Peace,
