Students came together to join the millions of people and communities nationwide who raise awareness to the number of people who are affected by cancer, and to support research for a cure through Relay for Life events, founded by the American Cancer Society.
Trevor Vampran, sophomore communication major and cancer survivor, joined a group of 25 Southeastern students to bring Colleges Against Cancer to campus and host Southeastern’s first Relay for Life on Thursday, April 25.
“I became involved with Relay for Life after I completed my treatment and wanted to give back to the fight against cancer,” said Vampran.
Before the ‘Survivor’s walk,’ honoring those who endured cancer, Bonnie Lavigne, sophomore communication major started the event with the singing of the national anthem.
Colleges Against Cancer recruited eight teams from students and campus organizations. They walked a route lined with yard signs noting statistics and factual information about cancer and those affected by the many forms. Participants took action to celebrate the lives of survivors around the world, remember those who lost a battle to cancer and raise money and awareness to combat cancer and find a cure through research.
Although the team was faced with challenges of when and where to host the event, they executed a successful event with less than two months of planning and preparation.
Miss Southeastern, Renee Picou, was among the 25 students who participated and helped plan the event. Picou has been involved with Relay for Life events since she was in 4th grade and continues to support the American Cancer Society through her platform on her journey to becoming Miss Louisiana.
“When I became Miss Southeastern, there was no doubt in my mind what my platform would be,” said Picou. “I chose the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society is not only my platform, but my passion. I am happy and proud to know that there are other students on campus that share my passion.”
A childhood friend of Vampran, Picou accepted a role in planning and being a part of the event and shares her excitement and support.
“So many people are affected by cancer, and it is a painful experience to endure,” said Picou. “My good friend, Trevor Vampran, was diagnosed with cancer. I soon became a part of ‘Team Trevor’ for many Relay for Life’s since that time. My grandfather’s recent passing away with cancer added more zeal to my wanting to help. When asked to be Southeastern’s first Relay for Life Ambassador, I was excited and honored to be a part of this new event.”
Although the organization was approximately $8,000 short of their $10,000 goal, the members will continue to raise money and awareness for cancer research and hope to exceed their goal by August. Donations can be made online at www.relayforlife.org/selu.
The organization has hopes of improving the event for next year and increasing the amount of participation by student organizations, businesses and members of the community.
“We had a great start,” said Picou. “The ground work has been done, and now we know exactly what to do to make it bigger and better for next year. We have already discussed getting more of the community involved like local schools and more businesses. My goal is to see Southeastern’s Relay for Life filling up all of Strawberry Stadium, and I know we can do it.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member of Colleges Against Cancer may email executive director, Aunjenee Coner, aunjenee.coner@selu.edu or Rachell Sons at Rachell.sons@selu.edu.
More information can be found on the national website www.relayforlife.org or the Southeastern Relay for Life Facebook like page, www.facebook.com/ACSRelayforLifeSoutheastern.