Students rally in support of cancer research, education

The Relay Rally team, from left to right, top row: Gordon Tam, Kevin Park, Artem Soshnikov, Mina Mansy, Kevin Louie, Cindy Rubin, Han Ly; front row: Robert Weber, Mark Slootsky, Deepika Sethi, Renee Fine, and Erin Lilie

Led by senior Kevin Louie, students held a Relay Rally and raised approximately $1,000 in support of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life. The rally, held May 3 at the Family Student Housing field, was sponsored by SOAR and hosted by Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Approximately 120 students and community members participated in games, heard cancer survivors speak, enjoyed live music and a barbecue, and participated in a raffle for prizes. Participants also walked a "track" defined by several hundred candle-lit luminarias in commemoration of those who have succumbed to cancer and those who have survived.

Kevin Louie's leadership and commitment earned him a "Rookie of the Year Award" from the American Cancer Society. His commitment to fundraising for cancer education, treatment, and research grew out of his own experience--his mother died of cancer when he was 15. In his hometown of Bakersfield, he has participated in Relay for Life events for a number of years.

"Relay for Life is extremely important to me because it gives me a chance to remember my mother's loss to cancer but to also celebrate the courageous and positive fight she gave," Louie said. "Relay is also a way for me to reach out to those battling the disease right now and to try and make a difference in their lives."

Funding for the Relay Rally was donated by students, parents, and community members. Prizes were donated by local merchants.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Cruz will take place July 18-19 at Cabrillo College and involve over 1,000 community members. The event is expected to raise over $130,000 for cancer research, education, and support services. UCSC staff, faculty, alumni, and students are organizing teams for the 24-hour event. Those interested in participating may contact Lisa Miroyan at lisamiroyan@sbcglobal.net or click on the following link:

Relay for Life Santa Cruz