Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the previously scheduled Relay For Life events for Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Clarkson University, The College of Saint Rose, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Siena College, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Potsdam and University at Albany have now been rescheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2020 as a virtual online event.
Student volunteers and American Cancer Society staff from these eight events have teamed up to put on a combined virtual Relay For Life experience. The online Facebook event will feature a mix of live, and pre-recorded segments that celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, remember loved ones lost and empower those participating to continue the fight against cancer. Participants will be inspired and entertained as they come together to raise funds to fight cancer.
“Our club has dedicated so much time and effort into planning our 2020 Relay event, so naturally we were disappointed to find out that we have to wait another year to put on our County Fair themed Relay,” said Annaliese DeZalia ’21, Clarkson’s Relay For Life Chair. “Luckily we have some really amazing staff partners at the Regional ACS office that have been working diligently to put on a great virtual event. We hope to spend Sunday (4/19) raising money and having some fun while social distancing… and we can’t wait to finish planning our event for Spring 2021!”
Collectively, the participating colleges have already raised over $69,000. This money is allowing the American Cancer Society to help the most vulnerable population of cancer patients navigate thru the COVID-19 pandemic with 24/7 support through their 1-800 number and their website, cancer. org. Donations will also fund cancer research and education. Relay For Life is all about togetherness, but the safety of our patients, survivors, volunteers and staff is always a top priority. “During this difficult time, cancer won’t stop, and neither will we,” said Loretta Hackney, community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “Even though we cannot currently be face-to-face, we’re committed to continuing to fight cancer head-on and hope that you will stand together with us, even when we’re apart.”
Join us virtually and continue the fight from home and be a part of the Relay For Life. Visit https://bit.ly/2QVS97W or https://www.facebook.com/events/232976351154915/ for more information about this virtual event.
Click here for a shareable link: https://www.clarkson.edu/news/8-area-colleges-come-together-fight-cancer-during-covid-19-pandemic
