On track to find a cure for cancer

A global fundraiser for cancer research that celebrates hope for both survivors and victims comes to UB for the first time this weekend.

That event, the Relay For Life, represents the hope that people lost to cancer will never be forgotten, people who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be cured.

Teams of participants fundraise prior to the event, which is organized by the American Cancer Society. Then spend the night walking the track in an all-night relay.

Graduate assistant Michelle Dirmyer, who chaired and organized the event, said that several other events would take place at the event besides walking.

"Students and faculty form teams to help raise money for the American Cancer Society," Dirmyer said. "There will be live music, karaoke, volleyball games, yoga, food and much more."

During the event, teams of people will take turns walking or running laps on the Alumni Arena track. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

According to Dirmyer, the event is 24 hours long because cancer patients and caretakers don't ever get a rest during the battle against cancer.

UB's goal is to raise $75,000, and the teams' efforts have already generated well over $30,000, Dirmyer said. There are about 400 people registered for the event.

Jennifer Morales, community executive at the American Cancer Society, said UB has never seen a fundraising event of this magnitude.

"The Relay For Life raised $875,000 last year. It has been held at 20 countries and 400 sites across the nation," Morales said.

Mary Clare Fahey, community service coordinator at the Leadership Development Center, said she's excited for the opportunity to work with the American Cancer Society.

"The response of this event has been overwhelming," said Fahey, who is currently one of UB's top fundraisers.

Freshman biological sciences major Candice Graning said she never got involved with Relay for Life when it was at her high school, but is now an active member on the UB committee.

"Now is my chance to get involved with the event," Graning said, "I love going to meetings because it is exciting to see all of the people working so hard to support such a great cause."

Many participants and organizers said the Relay For Life holds a special place in so many hearts because "cancer touches everyone," Morales said.

Dirmyer said her father and grandmother both had cancer, and Graning also has had family members affected by the disease.

Toran Gordinier, a junior exercise science major, lost his mother to cancer. Currently, Gordinier is leading all UB donations with $885.

"My goal is to reach $1,000 and I know I can do it," he said.

A total of $75,000 is a lofty goal, but if it is not reached this year, it will surely be reached next year, Fahey said.

"I expect that this is going to be the first of many relays held at UB. We are going to raise a lot of money," Fahey said.

Graning said even if you are not signed up to be a part of a team, people can still show up Friday night and contribute toward the goal.

Dirmyer said the registration fee is $10, and all of the money goes to the American Cancer Society.

"When it comes to this event, one person can't do that much, but when everyone comes together we can get a lot accomplished," Gordinier said.