Relay for Life unites Bryant community to find a cure for cancer

Nearly 650 participants will take part in the 8th annual event, which begins today at 4 p.m.

For the last few years, 2008 Bryant alumnus Pat Sullivan has been a regular participant in Bryant’s annual Relay for Life. As is the case with many Americans, cancer has touched his life personally. His mother, JoAnne, was diagnosed with the disease in 1995, and she was his biggest supporter each year when he walked the event.

Regrettably, JoAnne won’t be here this year when his team takes to the Bryant track this afternoon at 4 p.m. She succumbed last October after a long battle with the disease.

“Before she passed away, I promised her that I would continue the fight until there is a cure,” he says. “I told her I would make sure I did everything I could to see that no son would have to grow up without his mother.”

Sullivan will help kick off the 16-hour event with a short speech about his mother’s struggle and his continued efforts to help find a cure for the second leading cause of death in the United States. It is sure to be an emotional moment, with many of his friends and family in attendance.

“She knew that her cancer was too far along for Relay for Life to help her but she always said as long as it helps one other person our efforts will be worth it,” says Sullivan, who recently started his own video production company, Pat Sullivan Productions. “She truly believed in this cause, and that is why we do it.”

Walking for a cure

This year’s Relay for Life might be the biggest ever. Nearly 650 participants on 65 teams will take part in the event, and more than $60,000 has already been raised for the American Cancer Society.

Sullivan has done his part. He is the top fundraiser for the third year in a row, collecting more than $6,000. His team, which includes fellow Bryant alumni, has raised nearly $11,000.

Nearly 650 participants will take part in the 8th Annual Relay for Life, which begins today at 4 p.m.

As part of the event, which is sponsored by Bryant’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, team members will walk the track from 4 p.m. on Friday until 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. The program begins with a survivor lap and includes entertainment such as musical performances, “human bingo,” and a dodgeball tournament to keep participants energized through the night.

At 9 p.m., the Luminary ceremony will honor those who lost their battle with cancer. The Sunrise/Fight Back ceremony at 6 a.m. will challenge everyone to continue their efforts to find a cure.

Close to home

Bridget McNulty ’11 (Madison, CT), the director of this year’s event, first got involved in Relay for Life in 2003 with her family to honor her little sister who died from the disease. Last year, she served as assistant director before moving up to the top spot.

“Cancer is an issue that hits close to home for many people,” says McNulty. “Holding a Relay event on campus makes it that much easier for students to get involved in the fight for a cure.”

Katherine Shea ’12 (West Springfield, MA) says the overnight walk is symbolic of the path of people afflicted with cancer.

“Dusk represents first finding out they have cancer, the darkness of the night represents the long struggle they must face, and dawn represents hope through the efforts of organizations like the American Cancer Society,” says Shea.

Relay for Life Committee

Director: Bridget McNulty ’11 (Madison, CT)
Assistant Director: Katherine Shea ’12 (West Springfield, MA)
Public Relations: Samantha Curtin ’12 (Weymouth, MA)
                            Rachel Boucher ’12 (Burlington CT)
Survivorship: Amy Angeloni ’10 (Enfield, CT 06082)
                      Meredith Salvas ’10 (Saco,ME)
Advocacy/Cancer Control: George Vasvatekis ’11 (Bridgewater, MA)
                                           Mike Donahue ’10 (Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ)
Entertainment: Casey Mulcare ’11( Hatfield, MA)
                         Arielle Langlais ’10 (Coventry, RI)
Logistics: Kaelan Lippman ’09 (Warren, RI)
                Del Gagnon ’09 (Presque Isle, ME)
Food & Beverage: Greg Ritter ’09 (West Hartford, CT)
                              Katie Dean ’09 (Madison, CT) 06443
Online Registration: Marissa Martone ’10 (Locust Valley, NY)
                                 Jackie Maher ’10 (Londonderry NH)
Sponsorship: Kim Franklin ’09 (West Hyannisport MA)
Team Development: Elizett Pires ’09 (New Bedford, MA)
                                 Jenna Poulin ’10(Methuen, MA)
Luminary: Allyson Lagasse ’10 (Wells, ME)
                 Emily Coutu ’10 (Lincoln, RI)

Colleges Against Cancer Executive Board

President: Kristen Collins ’09 (Huntington Station, NY)
Vice President: Nickie Archambault ’10 (Southington, CT)
Secretary: Stephanie Barone ’10 (Cheshire, CT 06410)
Treasurer: Stephanie Kirk ’10 (Pompton Lakes, NJ)