One of the things I am most passionate about is this relay. I’ve been interested in it for years, and I finally did it for the first time in 2011. Now that I’ve done it, I want to be a part of it for the rest of my life, whether I’m walking in the relay or making a small donation. To learn more about the relay and why it means so much to me, read on!

First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this! It means so much to me that you’re even interested in the event.

Secondly, if you’re here to learn about making a donation (either in general to the event or through me and/or my team), then let me explain how that is done! You can always check out the website for information about donating, but I’ll provide a few details. For one thing, the smallest donation amount is $5. If you’re prepared to give at least that much then we would appreciate your contribution! Every donation counts and goes toward helping those who have fought or are currently fighting the battle of cancer. Donations can be made by cash, check, or credit/debit card and donations are tax deductible. I can say from experience that donating through the website is SAFE. Also if you are employed and you think your company would like to donate (or if they’re already an ACC partner) then you can have them match your donation! If you want your donation to be anonymous, you have the option to choose so.

Now, if you’re interested and you’d like to help boost my team, I have a few more details. For one, “boosting my team” isn’t necessary. If we meet or surpass our fundraising goal, we would be more excited about the money going to a great cause than anything. Last year I raised $450 individually and I got a free water bottle as a prize, which I still tote around. So yes, we do get little prizes but that’s not our incentive; it’s a way of the ACC giving thanks. You don’t have to go through me or my team; I would be just as excited to hear that you donated it all!  If you still want to help me or my team, send me a message (tumblr or email) and I’ll provide you with the link. Our goal this year is $2,000!

My personal motivation comes from experience with cancer. I don’t believe I have cancer at the moment but it could certainly happen in my future. I was with my maternal grandmother when she passed away with lung cancer in the summer of 2010 and my paternal grandfather was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I’ve seen what it can do. My knowledge of cancer research isn’t thorough but the fact that an event like this exists at all is incentive for me to contribute. Every year the relay makes it possible for answers to make themselves known and to aid the lives of those undergoing cancer treatments.

My experience with relay has been a great one; last year I joined a team only a couple of weeks before the relay and we managed to do most of our fundraising last minute. Our goal was $1,000 and we exceeded $2,000 and landed ourselves in 10th place among the other teams at my university! It was a fantastic experience. It rained a little but we had two tents up to keep us out of the rain and the morale around the track was amazing. One team put up a projector and was playing Disney films, and in the morning one of the zumba instructors went onto the field and led a great morning workout. I had an amazing time and we raised an incredible amount of money. I eagerly look forward to the experience again, and I’d be thrilled if you would help the cause and donate! :)