SUNY Potsdam Relay for Life to Honor Cancer Survivors, Near and Far

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SUNY Potsdam students walk the track in honor of cancer survivors at last year’s Relay for Life.

POTSDAM, NY (03/17/2011)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam will host its fifth annual Relay for Life on Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m. in the John W. Maxcy Hall Fieldhouse. The opening ceremony for the American Cancer Society-sponsored event begins at 8 p.m.

Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives people in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and raise funds to fight the disease.

The theme for this year's SUNY Potsdam relay is "Viva Las Vegas: What Happens at Relay, Stays at Relay," and promises to be a night filled with celebration, memories, fun and laughter.

This year, SUNY Potsdam's Relay for Life organizers hope to have 77 teams, 725 participants and to raise $53,000. Already, the College has signed up 70 teams, 446 participants and has raised $16,402 toward its goal.

Organizers say they're on track to beat last year's record amount of $52,061.

"I am most honored to be a part of the committee which brings such an event to our campus," said Annette A. Robbins, assistant director of Residence Life and Relay for Life co-chair. "Our students and community members do a fantastic job supporting the American Cancer Society with their generous donations."

Although every Relay for Life event is different, there are certain traditions at all relays, no matter where they are held.

Cancer survivors always do the first lap of the track, called the "survivors' lap." Any survivors from the campus or community can participate. This inspirational opening to the night's events unites survivors and volunteers alike, encouraging everyone to come together to fight the disease. During the second lap, caregivers join the survivors to walk alongside those that they have helped.

This year, SUNY Potsdam is also conducting a "virtual survivor lap" during the third lap of the evening. Pictures of cancer survivors will be displayed at that time to celebrate those who are not able to attend the event.

All proceeds from Relay for Life go to the American Cancer Society, which is the largest sponsor of cancer research in the U.S. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States and 20 countries across the globe take part in Relay for Life to raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

For more information about the event or to sign up a team for this year's Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/sunypotsdam.

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Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 100 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training, and leadership in the performing and visual arts.

-www.potsdam.edu-